Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ flower (27/07/2011, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: well drained soil

Flowering period: Summer

Eventual Height: 3m

Eventual Spread: 3m

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Hydrangeaceae

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ is a deciduous shrub with a upright, open habit. Its foliage is dark green, composed of large, ovate leaves with a serrate margin. Its inflorescence is in the form of large, dense, conical panicles, composed of mostly sterile, small white flowers which turn pink or red in late summer persisting on the plant into autumn.

The species Hydrangea paniculata,  commonly known as the Panicled Hydrangea, is native to eastern Asia and was first described in western botany by Philipp Franz von Siebold in 1829. It was traditionally used to produce paper using its bark and its hard, white wood was used for many small items, even as nails.

The etymological root of the binomial name Hydrangea is derived from the Greek hydro meaning ‘water’ and aggos meaning  ‘jar’, in reference to shape of the fruit. Paniculata is derived from the Latin, referring to the inflorescence taking the form of panicles. Grandiflora is also derived from the Latin meaning large florets.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ (27/07/2011, London)

The landscape architect may find Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ useful as a deciduous late flowering shrub which is tolerant of dappled shade.

The Royal Horticultural Society gave Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ will tolerate almost any soil conditions; it will be happy at neutral or alkaline pH levels, in loam, clay or sand based soils, facing any exposed or sheltered aspect.

Ecologically, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ will attract many species of pollinating insects such as honey bees and butterflies.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ requires little to no maintenance. Dead or damaged material may be removed in late winter or early spring.