Panicle hydrangea: Hydrangea paniculata Unique

A flock of birds attacked a planting of panicle hydrangeas, uprooting all but one seedling -- the survivor was this cultivar, 'Unique.' This dense, rounded shrub covers itself with huge, dramatic cones of creamy white in midsummer that mature to soft pink. Vigorous and trouble-free, 'Unique' has proved to be one of the best panicle hydrangeas.

PROFILE
PLANT TYPE shrub
HARDINESS ZONES 3 to 8
LIGHT full-sun-to-part-shade
HEIGHT 10 ft. to 13 ft.
SPREAD 10 ft. to 13 ft.
HABIT upright
SOIL PH slightly-acidic-to-neutral-pH6.5-7
SOIL MOISTURE average
BLOOM TIME fall,summer
FLOWER COLOR white
BLOOM SIZE 1 ft.4 in. to 1 ft.4 in.
FOLIAGE COLOR medium-green
FOLIAGE SIZE 6 in. to 6 in.
DID YOU KNOW?
The name hydrangea is derived from two Greek words: meaning "water," and meaning "vessel," because the vase-shaped seed pods resemble water vessels.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE:
In early spring, remove any dead branches or, if necessary, old growth, making cuts at the base of the plant for best habit. Panicle hydrangea blooms late in the season on recent growth, so it may be pruned in early spring before new growth emerges or in late fall after flowering.
PESTS/DISEASES:
Aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, and honey fungus may occur.
CONTROLS:
Hose off aphids and whiteflies regularly with a direct stream of water, or apply horticultural-oil spray, following label directions. To control honey fungus, remove and destroy diseased plants. To control scale insects, use horticultural-oil spray, following label directions.
HOW TO SOW/PLANT:
Start with new plants, rooted softwood cuttings, or fall divisions. Plant in spring or fall in a partly shady site with moist, well-drained soil, and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Set plants at same depth they were in pots, spacing at distance equal to plants' mature spread. Water after planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.
WATER AND FERTILIZE:
Monitor soil moisture all season. In dry periods, hydrangea leaves become distinctly wilted; water immediately when this happens. In spring and after flowering, feed with a balanced fertilizer, following label directions.
GARDEN HINT:
To increase the size of the decorative flowers, cut back the previous year's growth to 3-5 buds in spring.

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