Sun Loving HydrangeasBy Tim Mouzakis, Al’s Nursery Buyer
Hydrangea’s big dramatic flower heads are not limited to our shady spots, nor are they only good for summer color. There are many beautiful varieties that do well in the intense sunlight, and whose blooms will often transform from their summer colors into warm tones to celebrate the fall. Let us introduce you to Hydrangea paniculata.
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' Cone-shaped flower heads of chartreuse blooms in mid-summer on long stems. The unique bright color transitions to rich, deep, blushing pink as summer transforms to fall. Extremely easy to grow, Limelight maintains its color regardless of the soil’s pH. The large flower heads ranging from 6 to 12 inches stand very upright on the shrub making it superb in cut flower arrangements. You can also allow the flower heads to dry on the plant, then cut them to bring indoors for a dried flower arrangement. Mature size: 6-7 feet
Hydrangea paniculata 'Quick Fire' The first to bloom, Quick Fire blooms about a month before other Hydrangea paniculata varieties. Quick Fire is also the first in the season to transform from its summer pristine white to dark, rosy-pink for fall. Easy to grow, its color is also not affected by soil pH. Unlike many hydrangeas, it blooms on ‘new wood’ and will bloom after even the harshest winters. Mature size: 6 feet
Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lamb' Sweet and compact, Little Lamb is unique because its flower petals are the smallest and most delicate of any Hydrangea. These little, pure white flowers are held in tight, delicate flower heads that look like puffs of lamb’s wool. The blooms appear in mid-summer and last into autumn. This is an easy to grow plant with reliable flowering and flower color regardless of soil pH. Mature size: 4-5 feet.
Hydrangea paniculata 'Pinky Winky' Like the other Hydrangea paniculatas, Pinky Winky offers large cone-shaped flower heads. Unlike the others, this hydrangea is bi-colored. It’s all in the timing with this hydrangea. The bottom of the flower head opens first with new white flowers. As the blooms age they become an intense pink. Then another layer of new flowers appear on the same flower head as the older pink flowers. It looks like cones of vanilla ice cream with bright strawberry syrup. Soil pH does not affect bloom color. Mature size: 6-7 feet.
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Limelight
Quick Fire 
Little Lamb
Pinky Winky
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SALEM AREA NURSERY LOCATION |
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