Hydrangea paniculata aka Panicled Hydrangea

Taxonomy

Hydrangea paniculata, also known as panicled hydrangea, is a compact deciduous shrub native to southern and eastern China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. It was first described by Philipp Franz von Siebold in 1829. This species grows up to around 1m high and features dark green, narrowly oval-shaped leaves with finely serrated edges. In mid to late summer, it produces large, densely packed cones of flowers that open pale lime green and cream, gradually turning light pink as they age. Hydrangea paniculata is commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes, with numerous cultivars available. This deciduous shrub or small tree can reach heights of 1–5m tall and 2.5m broad. It thrives in sparse forests or thickets found in valleys or on mountain slopes. The broad, toothed leaves measure 7–15cm in length. During late summer, it showcases impressive conical panicles of creamy white fertile flowers, accompanied by pinkish white sterile florets. These florets may start as pale green and transition to white, creating an appealing "two-tone" effect. The name "Hydrangea" originates from Greek, referring to the shape of the capsules resembling water vessels. Meanwhile, "paniculata" describes the species' branched-racemose or cymose inflorescences, tufted appearance, or panicle-like clusters of flowers.

Common names

Panicled Hydrangea, Peegee Hydrangea, Butterfly Bush

How to care for Panicled Hydrangea

Difficulty

Panicled Hydrangea requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Panicled Hydrangea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Panicled Hydrangea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Panicled Hydrangea requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Panicled Hydrangea will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Panicled Hydrangea to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Panicled Hydrangea is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Panicled Hydrangea is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The growth of Panicled Hydrangea is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Panicled Hydrangea’s native range is Asia and the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia