Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Unique’) hy-DRAIN-jah pah-nik-yew-LAY-tah Genus:  Hydrangea 'Unique' bears 8-inch-long white flower heads that fade to pinkish white. It is similar to, but more vigorous than, Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora'. The cultivar name refers to the shape of the flower heads; they are broad at the base and rounded at the tip.   Noteworthy Characteristics:  This is one of the most cold-hardy species. It may be grown as a single-stemmed specimen or as a multi-stemmed shrub.  Care:  Grow in moist, but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. Blooms on current season's wood; may cut back to a few buds from 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 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 6 ft. to 10 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 Fall, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Pink, White Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Frost Tolerant Type Shrubs