As the garden winds down in the later part of summer, panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) take center stage. They offer up big blooms that put on a show from now into fall.
While we all love their more familiar mophead cousins (H. macrophylla), panicle hydrangeas have a few advantages. They bloom in full sun or morning sun (see below) which means more of us can enjoy them. Since they bloom on new growth each summer, there's no chance for flower buds to be damaged by winter cold. Therefore you're pretty much assured a blooming great show. Finally, butterflies and bees flip for the flowers which provide an important late season food source.
Panicle hydrangeas typically change color from white to varying shades of pink. Unlike mophead types, this is not as a result of soil chemistry. Instead color morphing is triggered by a change in air temperature. (Depth of color is more intense in colder northern zones than in warmer southern ones.)
If you haven't planted a few panicle hydrangeas, either in garden beds or in containers, you're missing out. These are one of the true treats in the late summer-to-early fall garden. Here are 7 that we recommend. (If you’d like a few ideas on how to design with them, check out this story.)
Strawberry Shake Hydrangea makes an excellent, colorful hedge with blooms that last through summer and fall.Â
Easy Growing Tips for Success
- Panicle hydrangeas need lots of sunlight to form those wonderful flower buds. Plant in full sun in cooler northern zones. In the south plant where they can get morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Like all hydrangeas, panicle types love to be kept evenly moist. If you don't have regular summer rains, water consistently to keep them happy. To get the most intense color change from white to pink or red in the fall.
- Panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood (the current season's growth) each year. In late winter or early spring just as the new growth appears, prune for better branching and overall shape. This will encourage new growth. Larger varieties can be kept compact by pruning; this can produce larger, if fewer, flowers.
Our Favorite Panicle Hydrangea Varieties
Candy Appleâ„¢ Hydrangea
Zone: 3 – 8
Compact with very strong stems that hold up show-stopping blooms. Makes an ideal focal plant for smaller gardens and pots. Up to 4′ tall and wide. Partial shade to full sun.
Strawberry Shakeâ„¢ Hydrangea
Zone: 4 – 8
Sturdy stems support big, full flower heads that start out white and mature to a delectable pink. Great for containers, foundations, and mid-height borders. Up to 5′ tall and wide. Partial shade to full sun.
Early Evolution® Hydrangea
Zone: 4 – 9
The smallest variety out there, reaching only 2' tall and wide. The unique blooms start earlier and last through fall, aging from white to dusty rose. Partial to full sun.
Angel’s Blush® Hydrangea
Zone: 4 – 8
Fill a large blank wall or property border with ten-inch long flower clusters, brilliant late-season color, and lovely foliage. Up to 12′ tall and 10′ wide. Partial sun.
Razzleberri® Hydrangea
Zone: 4 – 9
An exceptionally sturdy, compact panicle hydrangea. Large white flowers turn bright pink in the fall for an extended season of beauty. Up to 4′ tall and wide. Partial to full sun.
Phantom Hydrangea
Zone: 4 – 8
The largest flower heads of any of its species - up to 15 inches long. Blooms unfold creamy white, then graduate to a blushing, soft pink as the summer progresses. Up to 8′ tall and wide. Filtered to full sun.
Drying and Arranging
Bunches of panicle hydrangeas can be cut now when the flowers are a soft green for fresh, crisp summer arrangements. However, they can also be harvested a bit later when they've begun to turn soft pink. Typically in September or October depending on your zone and the weather.
Here’s some great information on how to dry hydrangeas so that they retain their color. We looked for inspiring ideas and liked the ones we found here. (Image Midwest Living)
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