Panicle hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata
Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 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 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wideToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Marco Mussita, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: Hedwig Storch, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: (c) Pedro Henrique Maloso Ramos, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: Krzysztof Golik, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5 to 7.5
- Hail tolerance
- low
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Site uses
- Cool north foundations
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 4 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8 ft apart (6 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- white, pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
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 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 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 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
- 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.
