Hydrangea paniculata

Panicle hydrangea is a large, multi-stemmed, woody, deciduous shrub or small tree that is rapid-growing and coarsely textured. It typically reaches a height of 8 to 15 feet tall and can grow up to 25 feet tall. This is a sun-loving hydrangea and is one of the few hydrangeas that flower on the current season's growth. The leaves are ovate dark green above and light green beneath with serrate margins. Showy terminal, conical to pyramidal large panicles of creamy white flowers bloom during the summer and into fall and measure 6 to 8 inches long. The bloom changes color as autumn nears from pink to brown. The flower has both fertile and sterile flowers. The most popular cultivar of this species is 'Limelight.'

This plant is a member of the Hydrangeaceae or hydrangea family and is native to eastern and southern China, Japan, Sakhalin, Taiwan, and Kuril Island.

The name hydrangea is derived from two words, hydro meaning "water" and aggeion which means "vessel." This refers to the cup-like capsular fruit. The specific epithet, paniculata, references the panicle-like arrangement of the flowers.

The Panicle Hydrangea is more tolerant of full sun than other hydrangea species. It prefers morning sun and afternoon shade, neutral to acidic soil with good drainage, and is air pollution tolerant and cold hardy. It can tolerate harsh winters and is a good substitute for Mophead Hydrangeas or Hydrangea macrophylla. It can be severely pruned in late winter or spring since it blooms on the current season's new growth and not on the woody stems formed during the previous year. The plant is shallow-rooted and will benefit from a layer of mulch. Propagate by seed or stem cutting. 

Many cultivars and varieties offer different growing habits for this rapidly growing hydrangea, from erect to arching and cascading. It is most commonly a multi-stemmed shrub but can be trained to grow as a  single-trunk tree. 

It is one of winter's hardiest hydrangeas that thrives in urban conditions. Consider the Panicle Hydrangea for Asian Gardens, Children’s Gardens, Cottage Gardens, Cutting Gardens, and Pollinator Gardens. It will also do well in woodlands, naturalized areas, or play areas. Planted in groups it works well as a border or hedge but is also delightful as a single specimen. 

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Summer and Fall       Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall     

Quick ID Hints:

• opposite serrate leaves, whorled at branch tips
• large, cone-shaped inflorescence
• stout stem, reddish-brown streaked with gray

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids, scales, nematodes, and mites may be seen but are rarely a problem. This plant may be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, rust, mildew, bud blight, and bacterial wilt. It may be damaged by deer, and it has brittle stems that are easily damaged by wind.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Hydrangea.