Hydrangea paniculata (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 3m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Hydrangea paniculata is a deciduous shrub with a spreading habit. Its mid green leaves are elliptic with mildly serrate margins, up to 14cm long and 6.5cm broad. Its white/ cream flowers appear as a terminal panicle, up to 20cm long and is composed of sterile florets surrounded by fertile florets.
Hydrangea paniculata Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Hydrangea paniculata, commonly known as the Panicle Hydrangea, is native to south and east China, Japan, Korea and the eastern Russian island of Sakhalin. In its native habitat it grows in open forests and thickets.
The etymological root of the binomial name Hydrangea is derived from the Greek hydor meaning ‘water’ and aggos meaning ‘jar’ which refers to the plants cusp shaped fruit. Paniculata is derived from the Latin, referring to the inflorescence taking the form of panicles.
The landscape architect may find Hydrangea paniculata useful flowering shrub for shady location.
Ecologically, Hydrangea paniculata flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given a number of varieties of Hydrangea paniculata their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
Hydrangea paniculata Leaf (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Hydrangea paniculata prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate dry soils.
Hydrangea paniculata requires little maintenance. Pruning will produce fewer larger flowers and should be carried out in early spring.