Pee Gee Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata Grandiflora
This great garden plant has a long history of cultivation in western gardens. it was introduced to the west from Japan in 1870 and formed part of the early landscape of New Zealand. In more recent times Pee Gee Hydrangeas have become popular as they blend well with the perennials and colourful flowering gardens of today.
This shrub is invaluable for its handsome panicles of pearly white heads during summer when other shrubs have long since passed flowering. It blends perfectly with perennial where the long lasting flowers may be appreciated as they range from the small immature green through to the creamy white and on to pink, if grown in the sun, or green if in the shaded border. The flowers last well when picked and may also be dried. They prove very popular in floral art.
Most Hydrangeas respond dramatically to cultivation and this type is no different. If you wish to impress your friends, find an organic, rich, free draining piece of ground for planting. During the winter prune out all the weak growth, thin sticks, and shorten back the strong shoots. From spring onwards maintain in vigorous growth by feeding and watering well. The results will be spectacular - arching pyramids of blooms up to nearly a metre long and 30cm at the base. This is arguably one of the most spectacular hydrangeas and also one of the toughest.