panicle hydrangea

Panicle hydrangeas should be watered deeply once per week during the growing season. To check if watering is needed, make sure the soil is dry 2-3 inches below the surface. If it is dry, water deeply so that the water reaches the roots, which are located near the stem. Watering should be done early in the day to reduce the chances of evaporation. During hotter months, increase watering to twice weekly. Make sure to not overwater the plant; this can lead to root rot, which will prevent it from absorbing the water it needs.

Panicle hydrangeas thrive in partial shade to full sun. For optimal growth, it is best to give this plant 4-5 hours of sun per day, either all in the morning or late afternoon. While the plant can tolerate short periods of direct sun, it is best to provide it with some bright shade during midday when the sun is strongest. During the winter months, it is important to provide the plant with some sun each day in order to help increase the flowering potential in the spring.

For panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Le Vasterival' FIRST EDITIONS GREAT STAR), pruning should be done in the early spring, as soon as the risk of frost has passed. Prune back by a third any wayward shoots or spent flowers that may have formed since the previous year. This shaping will help the shrub maintain a compact shape and encourage strong new growth. To keep the plant bushy and vibrant, a more drastic shaping can be done in late winter or early spring before buds emerge. Remove any old woody stems at the base and cut back the remaining branches by a third or more. This encourages multiple new shoots to form, giving the plant a fuller shape. It is generally safe to prune panicle hydrangeas several times a year, depending on the desired shape and size of the shrub.