Panicle hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata
Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–8 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. The hydrangea that works in CO, but still not xeric. Needs afternoon shade and consistent moisture, not a low-water choice.
On the CSU listmedium water4–8 ft tall and 4–8 ft wideToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Hydrangea paniculata
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Limelight', 'Little Lime', 'Bobo', 'Quick Fire'
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 4–8 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8 ft apart (6 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- low
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zone 3 only (site it well away from structures)
- Bloom color
- white, pink
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer, early fall
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Site uses
- Cool north foundations
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Planting & establishment
Water weekly through first summer. East- or north-facing locations preferred, afternoon sun stresses it in our heat.
- Pruning: hard (rejuvenation).
Frequently asked questions
- Is Panicle hydrangea good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Panicle hydrangea is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Panicle hydrangea?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Panicle hydrangea get?
- It matures to about 4–8 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Panicle hydrangea?
- Space Panicle hydrangea about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Panicle hydrangea hardy on the Front Range?
- Panicle hydrangea is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Panicle hydrangea need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Panicle hydrangea grow?
- Panicle hydrangea is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Panicle hydrangea safe for dogs?
- No. Panicle hydrangea is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Panicle hydrangea deer-resistant?
- No. Panicle hydrangea is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Panicle hydrangea a good firewise plant near the house?
- Panicle hydrangea is suitable in defensible-space zone 3 only, site it well away from structures. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Panicle hydrangea bloom?
- Panicle hydrangea blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
