There are six main types of hydrangeas commonly grown in North American gardens. One of the easiest to grow is the panicle hydrangea. Panicle hydrangeas come in all sizes, from tree form, like ‘Phantom,’ to dwarf, like ‘Bobo,’ to large shrub, like ‘Limelight.’ Blooming from summer to fall, Hydrangea paniculata shows off huge white, cone-shaped flower heads, sometimes the size of footballs, beginning in July.

Panicle hydrangeas are the most sun tolerant of all the types and can take full sun. Like the other types though, they require plenty of water, especially as they are getting established.

Enjoy them in their full glory through midsummer to fall, then prune in late winter to early spring. They can even be cut back to the ground and still flower, since panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood. Pruning later may remove new buds, which will delay flowering.

There has been much breeding work done and many new cultivars exist, some showing color, going from white to pink to red in the fall when the temperatures drop. However, panicle hydrangeas are not affected by the pH of the soil, unlike other types.

A Word From Bianca, Dixon Intern 2023

Hydrangeas are one of the most beautiful flowers to me. Viewing these flowers grants peace as they blossom gracefully here at Dixon!

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