Woodie’s Picks: Panicle Hydrangeas For The Summer Landscape
Everyone knows summer is the season for hydrangeas. And we’ll be the first to rave about all things Hydrangea macrophylla, but in our opinion, these beauties are just the opening act to the incredible show that is Panicle Hydrangeas (also known as Hydrangea Paniculata) come late June into the fall months.
In this blog, we will first highlight the main differences between Hydrangea Paniculata and its counterpart varieties. Then, we will dive into Woodie’s four favorites when it comes to Panicle Hydrangeas.
What Is A Panicle Hydrangea
During the later part of summer, when many plants in the garden start to wind down, the Panicle Hydrangea is just getting started!
Panicle Hydrangeas are a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae native to southern and eastern China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. While the most well-known hydrangeas are likely the Macrophylla and Lacecap varieties with their perfectly rounded flower heads, Panicle Hydrangeas make a grand statement with the mass of football-shaped heads of blooms that they produce each summer.
Differentiation and Benefits of Panicle Hydrangeas
These late summer stunners differ from their hydrangea counterparts in many ways beyond just their later bloom times and football-shaped flower heads!
Hardier To The Elements
While Macrophylla hydrangeas are best grown in shadier environments, Panicle Hydrangeas are hardy to the elements are are much more tolerant of full sun conditions! Additionally, this strain of shrub is much more tolerant to cold temperatures and harsh winters.
Easier To Prune
Paniculata Hydrangeas ‘Bloom on New Wood.’ This means that, unlike many hydrangeas, these types can be severely pruned in late winter or spring, and you can still expect blooms and new growth. Some hydrangea species bloom on last year’s growth, which is often called “old wood.” This old wood contains the flower buds that will open with the coming summer. Pruning in winter or spring would remove the flower buds, leaving us with a bloomless plant this year.
Long-Lasting Blooms
Unlike the Macrophylla Hydrangeas which have a short bloom period typically from June to July, Paniculata Hydrangea blooms persist through to the cold temperatures of fall! As the bloom heads dry out in the cool temps, they serve as beautiful winter interest plants adding texture and color to an otherwise dull outdoor space!
Woodie’s Favorite Panice Hydrangeas
Woodie loves all hydrangeas, but we’d be lying if we said he didn’t have a few favorites.
1. First Editions® Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea
First in the list of Woodie’s favorite Panicle Hydrangeas is the Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea. As a plant that looks as sweet as its name, it's truly a shame that these plants aren’t edible! The Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea boasts creamy white blooms that transition into a deep strawberry pink.
A Word From Woodie:
“The Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea is a bold and beautiful addition to any landscape. The show of colors this unique shrub brings throughout the seasons is truly a treat to savor year after year!”
2. Limelight Hydrangea
The Limelight is a true classic among Hydrangea Paniculata shrubs. With eye-catching white blooms with a hint of green, Limelight Hydrangeas are the perfect accent in any outdoor space!
A Word From Woodie:
“Pair this iconic beauty with rudbeckia and echinacea for the highly sought after ‘cottage garden’ feel, or line it with Emerald Green Arborvitaes and Green Mountain Boxwoods for an elevated English garden design!”
3. Little Lime Punch Hydrangea
Talk about a summer shrub that can pack a punch! The Little Lime Punch Hydrangea starts as a hue similar to the limelight, with cool white and green tones. But the Hawaiian Punch Red that comes later is where the real beauty in this shrub lies!
A Word From Woodie:
“The impact of the Little Lime Punch Hydrangea is anything but little. I love utilizing this shrub planted in front of a row of evergreen trees like the Thuja Green Giants! This planting pair really makes the colors on the Little Lime pop!”
4. Little Quick Fire Hydrangea
Last on the list of Woodie’s favorite Panicle Hydrangeas is the Little Quick Fire Hydrangea. As a smaller form of the Quick Fire® Panicle Hydrangea, this shrub sets your soul and landscape on fire with incredible color. Like with all panicles, you can look forward to a magical transition of color from white to pink to deep mauve color come late summer!
A Word From Woodie:
“Instill elegance and class into any landscape with this incredible summer shrub! I love the Little Quick Fire Hydrangea for its unique color, but even more than that for its small form that allows it to work seamlessly in almost any landscape design!”
Shop Panicle Hydrangeas Online Today
Beyond just Woodie’s favorites, we have a wide variety of Panicle Hydrangeas for you to shop and have shipped directly to your doorstep. Let us be the helping hand in making your dream landscape a reality!