Hydrangea paniculata

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Hydrangeaceae

Order

Cornales

Genus

Hydrangea

Species

paniculata

Description

A shrubby plant with numerous branches and flower clusters.

Very hardy, requiring organic, slightly acidic soil.

It is visually striking due to its abundance of large flowers and its long flowering period throughout the summer.

A distinctive feature is the elongated, panicle-shaped inflorescence. It has dark green, glossy leaves that provide a striking contrast and backdrop to the flowers.

Suitable for use as a solitary specimen in the garden or in a pot, or planted in rows to form colourful clumps and hedges as borders.

This genus comprises numerous varieties with a wide range of flower colours: from the palest shades to the deepest and darkest hues.

The variegated-leaved varieties are also of particular interest.

curiosity and special features

The distinctive shape of the striking inflorescences is highlighted by the specific epithet ‘paniculata’ itself, which derives from ‘panícula’ – meaning ‘panicle’ – consisting of sterile flowers, in different shades depending on the cultivar, interspersed amongst smaller fertile flowers.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the region comprising central and southern China, and the area stretching from Sakhalin to Japan and Taiwan; it was introduced to Europe in the second half of the 19th century.