Peegee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora') hy-DRAIN-jah pah-nik-yew-LAY-tah Genus:  Hydrangea Large, sometimes giant white flower heads reaching 6 to 18 inches long turn pinkish with age. 'Grandiflora' is a fast-growing shrub that can reach 25 feet tall.  Hydrangea paniculata  is one of the most cold-hardy species. It may be grown as a single-stemmed tree specimen or as a multi-stemmed shrub.  Noteworthy Characteristics:  Flowers are good for cutting and drying. These shrubs may be used for hedging. Care:  Grow in moist, but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. Blooms on current season's wood; may be cut back to a few buds to form a framework in spring to produce larger flowers, or alternately, allow to grow with minimal pruning. Propagation:  Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter. Problems:  Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Fast Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Pink, White Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Flowering Tree, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Frost Tolerant Type Shrubs