Description

Pee Gee Hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata is an old selection of Hydrangea from Asia. It has several names, Hydrangea Grandiflora being one along with selected cultivars with other names. There are several species of Hydrangea and many many selected varieties. Many are sterile hybrids that while beautiful offer nothing to pollinating insects.

The flowers on this Hydrangea are interesting. The large petaled flowers that we so admire are decoys. They are sterile and only to attract the attention of pollinating insects. The fertile flowers are down below and have no petals. A truly curious adaptation to the problem of getting pollinated.

It can be a very large shrub if left alone but it responds well to pruning. Pruning should be done in late winter since the flowers form on the new growth each year. Hydrangeas bloom in the mid to late summer. A time when fewer flowers are available. The large white flowered panicles show up well against the dark green background of summer foliage. The petaled flowers linger for many weeks and begin to take on an attractive pink hue as they age. Fall color is not impressive and the coarse twigs and reddish brown bark add winter interest. Some find the faded tan flowers of summer to be attractive through the winter months while others prefer to trim them off.

Pee Gee Hydrangea is one of the hardiest of the Hydrangeas. It is hardy in zones 3 through 8. It appreciates a loamy, moist, well drained soil and does well in both full sun and partial shade. 4 to 6 hours of sunshine is enough to encourage this spectacular shrub to put on a grand show each summer.