About
Hydrangea paniculata, the panicled hydrangea, is a vigorous, deciduous shrub or small tree with toothed, mid- to dark-green opposite leaves and flowerheads in large, conical panicles of conspicuous, pinkish-white sterile flowers mingled with smaller, creamy-white fertile flowers in late summer and early autumn. One of the most impressive and adaptable of all hydrangeas for a sunny or partly shaded border.
About the genus
Hydrangea are deciduous or evergreen shrubs, or self-clinging climbers, with flowers in clusters usually comprising both small fertile and larger, showier sterile florets. They are grown for their dramatic and long-lasting flowerheads and often good autumn colour.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toMexico
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sun or shade, in a moist but well-drained soil enriched with well-rotted organic matter. Will only tolerate a few degrees of frost
PruningPruning group 11 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)