Panicle Hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata Polestar = 'Breg14' (PBR)

Water

The Panicle Hydrangea should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one to one and a half gallons of water each time, to ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. During particularly hot or dry weather, it may require more frequent watering, possibly twice a week. It is best to water the plant early in the morning at the base, avoiding overhead watering to prevent leaf moisture, which can lead to fungal issues. Adjust watering during rainy periods, as excessive water can cause root rot. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Light

Panicle Hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Ideal spots are those receiving sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours a day, particularly in cooler regions. In regions with intense sun, it benefits from protection during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

Panicle Hydrangea is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, enduring minimum winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it grows best in a range where summer temperatures do not regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Panicle Hydrangea in late winter or early spring helps to encourage new growth and improve flowering. Remove any dead or crossing branches and trim back last year's growth to a pair of healthy buds to shape the plant and promote a sturdy structure. Annual pruning keeps the shrub vibrant and is the best time since the shrub blooms on new wood.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Panicled Hydrangea prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a high organic matter content. A good soil mix for this plant would be one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand. The ideal soil pH for Panicled Hydrangea is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from pH 5.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

Panicled Hydrangea generally does not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Repotting is typically required every 3 to 5 years, or when the plant becomes too large for its current container or the soil is exhausted.

Humidity & Misting

Panicled Hydrangea thrives in average to high humidity conditions. The best humidity level for this plant is between 50% and 70%. It can tolerate lower humidity levels, but maintaining an overall moist environment will help the plant flourish.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep Panicled Hydrangea in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Place Panicled Hydrangea in partial sun; mulch and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Hydrangea paniculata Polestar, commonly known as PeeGee hydrangea, begins with seed germination, which is relatively uncommon in cultivated varieties as they are typically propagated asexually. Following germination, the young plant enters a vegetative stage, producing leaves and stems as it establishes a root system. The next stage is maturation, where the hydrangea develops woody stems and prepares for flowering, with the plant blooming in the summer to early fall, showcasing panicles of white flowers that age to a pinkish hue. After the flowering stage, the plant enters a period of senescence for its above-ground parts in the fall, with the leaves dropping as it goes dormant for the winter. Below ground, the root system remains alive, storing energy for the next growing season. In spring, the cycle repeats as the plant breaks dormancy, producing new growth and progressing back to the flowering stage.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Summer

• The most popular method to propagate Hydrangea paniculata 'Polestar' is through softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth that is not yet firm in the late spring or early summer. Carefully cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 centimeters) piece of stem with several leaves, making sure there's at least one node on the cutting, which is where the leaf meets the stem. The bottom leaves are removed and the cut end is often dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a pot with well-draining soil, kept moist, and placed in indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, and once they've established, the young hydrangea can be moved to a larger pot or directly into the garden.