PeeGee Hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora'

Water

Peegee hydrangeas should be watered deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Each watering should consist of about 1 inch of water, equivalent to approximately 0.6 gallons for a small shrub. Reduce the frequency to every other week in the fall, and during winter, only water if the soil is dry and the plant is not dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Light

Peegee hydrangeas prefer full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. A spot that offers morning sunlight with some afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from intense afternoon heat. Avoid deep shade, as it can reduce flowering and weaken the plant.

Temperature

Peegee hydrangeas thrive in a wide range of temperatures, but they perform best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. They are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, tolerating winter temperatures down to -40°F and summer temperatures up to 95°F without significant stress.

Pruning

Pruning peegee hydrangeas promotes healthy growth, encourages new blooms, and maintains desired shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, as flowers form on current year's growth. Remove about one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant, and trim back any dead or crossing branches.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The PeeGee hydrangea thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and compost is ideal to provide a rich and aerated foundation. The soil should retain moisture but not become waterlogged to prevent root rot.

Repotting

PeeGee hydrangeas grown in containers should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure sufficient root space and nutrient availability. It's essential to use a larger container and fresh soil mix to encourage ongoing growth and blooming.

Humidity & Misting

PeeGee hydrangeas prefer moderate humidity levels, avoiding extremes. Average room humidity around 50% is typically adequate. They can tolerate higher humidity outdoor environments well, especially if they have good air circulation.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun to full sun with moist, rich soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora', or PeeGee Hydrangea, begins with seed germination, usually occurring in spring when temperatures moderate. After germination, the seedling enters a vegetative growth phase, developing roots and foliage as it matures into a flowering shrub over several months to years depending on conditions. The plant reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage typically in mid to late summer, producing large panicles of white flowers that may age to a pinkish hue. Following pollination, the flowers produce seeds by late summer or fall, which can be dispersed by wind or animals. During the autumn, the PeeGee Hydrangea enters a dormancy phase, with leaves turning yellow and dropping as the plant prepares for the winter. Finally, the cycle repeats itself in the spring, as new growth emerges from surviving stems and root systems, continuing the perennial life cycle of the plant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter - early spring

• Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora', commonly known as PeeGee Hydrangea, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is ideally performed in late spring to early summer. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting from a healthy branch that has no flowers, typically about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a moist potting mixture, and the environment is kept humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagation case. After a few weeks, roots will have developed, and the plastic can be gradually removed to acclimatize the new plant. With proper care, these cuttings can be transplanted into the garden once they have established a robust root system.