Panicle hydrangeas combine well with other cut and dried flowers.
Hydrangea Paniculata, commonly known as panicle hydrangea, blooms in large clusters at the end of the stems from midsummer until fall. The elongated clusters, which bloom from the bottom upward, are called panicles. Often seen in dried and fresh flower arrangements, these flowers bloom white and mature or dry to light pink. Use small cultivars in foundation plantings and shrub borders. Train large cultivars into small trees by pruning off the lower stems.
Characteristics
Panicle hydrangea quickly grows to a height of 10 to 20 feet with an equal spread. The branches grow from a central point and arch, giving the shrub a fountain shape. The dark green, deciduous, 3- to 6-inch leaves have an oval shape with serrated margins. The fragrant, cone-shaped flower panicles grow 8 inches and longer in some cultivars. Clusters consist of tiny fertile flowers on the inside and showy, sterile flowers on the outside. Dry, brown seed capsules form after the flowers fade. The seed capsules are not ornamental. Panicle hydrangeas tolerate salt and urban pollution.
Requirements and Care
Panicle hydrangeas are care-free shrubs when the environment meets their basic growing requirements. They need a moist but well-drained soil that is loose and fertile but contains some organic matter. Plant them in full sun or partial shade. They benefit from afternoon shade in hot areas. Keep the soil moderately moist during the growing season. Use a thick mulch to keep the roots cool. Prune panicle hydrangeas in late winter or early spring to control their shape and rangy growth habit. Panicle hydrangeas are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.
Cultivars
PeeGee hydrangeas get their common name from the initials P. G. for paniculata 'Grandiflora.' This lovely, old-fashioned shrub has a suckering and layering habit that sometimes makes it hard to control. 'Barbara' or 'The Swan' produces the longest panicles and has petals as much as five times larger than other varieties. For a shorter shrub choose 'Kyushu,' which reaches a height of only 6 feet and has pointed panicles. 'Little Lamb' is another short variety that has the tiniest petals of any cultivar giving the flowers a delicate appearance. 'White Moth' has panicles almost as long as 'The Swan's,' with flowers that turn green instead of pink when they mature.
Drying Flowers
Panicle hydrangeas dry well for winter arrangements. Cut flowers that are free of blemishes and remove the leaves before drying. Tie the stems in bunches and hang them upside down in a dry area, out of direct sunlight until dry. Alternatively, you can create your arrangement in a vase with 1 inch of water in the bottom. Set the vase out of direct sunlight. As the water evaporates, the flowers dry.
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