PeeGee Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora'
A classic Victorian-era hydrangea that produces enormous cone-shaped flower clusters that age from white to pink to bronze throughout the season. This reliable shrub is exceptionally cold hardy and blooms on new wood, ensuring flowers every year regardless of winter damage. The dramatic flower heads can reach 12 inches long and make stunning cut flowers for both fresh and dried arrangements.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Hydrangea arborescens
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
8-25 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for PeeGee Hydrangea in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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PeeGee Hydrangea · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Hydrangea arborescens. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Wet. Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 6 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruit is a brownish-pink dehiscent oval capsule that does not attract wildlife. It appears during the summer and fall.
Color: Brown/Copper, Pink. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern and southern China, Japan, Sakhalin, Kuril Island
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Pollution, Salt, Urban Conditions
- +Attracts: Attractive Flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife Cover/Habitat, Wildlife Food Source
- +Wildlife value: Attracts Pollinators and small mammals use this plant for cover.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Shade-tolerant groundcover that complements hydrangea's partial shade needs and provides contrasting foliage texture
Astilbe
Similar moisture and partial shade requirements, blooms at different times extending garden interest
Ferns
Thrives in same acidic, moist soil conditions and provides elegant textural contrast
Azaleas
Both prefer acidic soil and similar watering needs, bloom in spring before hydrangea flowers
Japanese Forest Grass
Tolerates partial shade and provides graceful movement and golden color contrast
Coral Bells
Colorful foliage complements hydrangea blooms, both prefer well-draining but moist soil
Caladiums
Shade-tolerant with colorful leaves that provide summer interest beneath hydrangea canopy
Boxwood
Provides evergreen structure and similar soil pH preferences for year-round garden framework
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can stunt hydrangea growth and cause leaf yellowing
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic oils inhibit growth of nearby plants and competes aggressively for water
Fennel
Strong allelopathic effects can inhibit hydrangea root development and overall vigor
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, good air circulation prevents issues
Common Pests
Aphids, scale insects, spider mites in hot weather
Diseases
Powdery mildew in humid conditions, leaf spot