Panicle Hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata Perle d'Automne = 'Degustar'

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Hydrangea paniculata 'Perle d'Automne', commonly known as the panicled hydrangea 'Perle d'Automne', is a widely admired ornamental shrub due to its striking floral display. This plant is characterized by its abundance of flowers that take on a distinctive cone shape, referred to as panicles. The bloom period begins in summer and extends into autumn, offering a prolonged period of visual interest. The flowers emerge a pristine white, evoking a sense of elegance and purity in the garden. As the season transitions to fall, the flowers undergo a remarkable transformation, gradually changing colors to a captivating shade of pink. This color change is a signature feature of the 'Perle d'Automne' cultivar, providing a dynamic display that evolves with the passing weeks. The leaves of the panicled hydrangea 'Perle d'Automne' are another highlight, with a lush, deep green backdrop they provide to the floral spectacle. These leaves are broadly ovate in shape and have serrated edges, which complement the overall texture of the shrub. The shrub forms a rounded and bushy habit, with multiple stems that arch gracefully under the weight of the flower panicles. The stems themselves are sturdy and can support the large flower clusters that adorn the plant during its blooming period. The combination of these attributes makes the panicled hydrangea 'Perle d'Automne' a sought-after plant for its aesthetic qualities and its ability to bring a touch of seasonal transformation to the landscape.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Hydrangeaceae
- Synonyms
  Panicled Hydrangea, Panicle Hydrangea, Limelight Hydrangea, Peegee Hydrangea
- Common names
  Hydrangea paniculata 'Degustar'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant commonly known as the panicled hydrangea is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause some problems if ingested. The plant contains compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when the plant is chewed or digested. Although serious cases are rare due to the low concentration of these compounds, ingestion can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and sweating. It's advisable to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs, especially for children who may be more vulnerable to the toxic effects.
- To pets
  The panicled hydrangea is considered toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, because it contains cyanogenic glycosides. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, they may experience symptoms similar to those for humans. These symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and depression. In some cases, more severe symptoms could occur, such as difficulty breathing or seizures due to cyanide release within the body. If you suspect your pet has ingested hydrangea, it's important to contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
- Spread
  6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  3-8
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Its large, cone-shaped flower clusters that transition from white to pink as the season progresses add visual interest to gardens.
- Extended Blooming Period: Offers a long flowering season from mid-summer to autumn, providing color and beauty over an extended period.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, such as borders, foundation plantings, or as a specimen plant.
- Attracts Pollinators: Blooms are attractive to bees and butterflies, which promote pollination of other garden plants.
- Ease of Care: Known for being hardy and low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Cold Tolerance: Has the ability to withstand colder temperatures, making it suitable for growers in many climates.
- Pruning Flexibility: Responds well to pruning, allowing gardeners to shape the plant as desired or to encourage more prolific blooming.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Photography Prop – Hydrangeas, including Hydrangea paniculata, are often used by photographers as a natural backdrop or feature in portrait and macro photography due to their lush and vividly colored blooms.
- Craft Projects – The dried flower heads of Hydrangea paniculata can be used in crafting, such as creating wreaths, floral arrangements, or even as a natural potpourri when mixed with other dried flowers and spices.
- Tannin Source – The bark and leaves of some hydrangea species contain tannins which can be used for dyeing fabric or as a natural astringent in past folk practices.
- Edible Flowers – Though not commonly consumed and with a need for caution due to potential toxicity, some cultures have used Hydrangea paniculata blossoms in moderation to flavor beverages or to crystallize for cake decorations.
- Wedding Decor – The ample and attractive flower heads are popular in wedding bouquets and as table centerpieces for their aesthetic appeal and range of colors that fit numerous decor schemes.
- Education – Horticulture and botany programs use varieties like Hydrangea paniculata to teach students about plant structure, propagation techniques, and the care of ornamental plants.
- Culinary Decoration – Fresh hydrangea flowers can be used as a decoration for serving dishes or trays at events, particularly when there is an emphasis on garden themes, though they are not eaten.
- Garden Structure – Large varieties of Hydrangea paniculata can be strategically planted to create natural dividers or privacy screens in gardens and parks.
- Soil Indicator – Hydrangeas can sometimes be used to indicate the pH of the soil, as some varieties will alter flower color based on the soil acidity or alkalinity.
- Ink Ingredient – Historically, natural inks have been made using plant materials, and the tannins from hydrangeas could potentially be used in this way to create a dye or ink.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Panicled hydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Panicled hydrangea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Gratitude: Hydrangea often symbolize heartfelt emotion and gratitude for being understood, making them a fitting symbol for expressing appreciation.
- Understanding: The wide range of colors and the complexity of the hydrangea's blooms can signify a deep understanding between people.
- Abundance: With their lush, full heads of petals, hydrangeas are often seen as a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
- Beauty: The hydrangea, with its elegant and beautiful blooms, commonly represents the ethereal and delicate beauty of life.
- Heartlessness/Ingratitude: In some cultures, hydrangeas can carry a negative connotation, symbolizing a lack of empathy or gratitude.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late winter to early spring

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the Panicled Hydrangea, or Hydrangea paniculata 'Perle d'Automne', watering should be done to maintain moist soil, particularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. In general, watering thoroughly once a week with about one inch of water is recommended. During prolonged dry spells or intense heat, increase watering to twice per week. Use slow, deep watering methods such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses to encourage root growth. For container-grown plants, water until it runs out of the drainage holes, which may be required more frequently depending on weather conditions.
Light
Panicled Hydrangea thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day, with some afternoon shade in areas with very hot summers. A spot that gets morning sunlight with dappled afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from intense heat and prevent wilting.
Temperature
The ideal growing temperature for Panicled Hydrangea ranges between 60°F and 75°F. This plant is quite cold hardy and can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to about -30°F, while it can also withstand summer highs of up to 95°F. However, extreme heat may result in additional watering requirements to prevent stress.
Pruning
Prune Panicled Hydrangea in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is important for maintaining a strong framework, promoting vigorous growth, and enhancing flowering. Remove any dead or weak branches and cut back last year's shoots to one or two pairs of buds to stimulate robust new growth. Prune annually but avoid over-pruning, which can reduce the number of flower heads.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for a Panicle Hydrangea ('Degustar') is one that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat moss or pine bark can help achieve these conditions. Adding perlite or vermiculite can improve drainage.
Repotting
Panicle Hydrangea ('Degustar') generally does not need to be repotted often if planted in the ground but potted plants may require repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide space for growing roots.
Humidity & Misting
Panicle Hydrangea ('Degustar') thrives best in an environment with average humidity levels. While it can tolerate some variation, it does not require exceptionally high humidity.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light, consistent moisture, and room to grow.
- Outdoor
  Full sun to partial shade, moist, well-drained soil, mulch base.
- Hardiness zone
  3-8 USDA
Life cycle
Hydrangea paniculata 'Perle d'Automne', commonly known as the Panicled Hydrangea, begins its life cycle with seed germination following dispersal, often occurring in the spring under favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant, characterized by rapid vegetative growth and the development of a sturdy root system. After a period of years, which can vary with growing conditions, the juvenile plant reaches maturity and begins to produce flowers, usually in late summer or early autumn, with large, cone-shaped clusters of white to pink flowers. After pollination, typically by insects, fertilization occurs and the plant develops seed capsules that mature and release seeds in late autumn to early winter, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, the Panicled Hydrangea goes through annual cycles of growth, with stems and leaves dying back to the woody base in winter and new growth emerging from buds in the spring. With proper care, including pruning and maintenance of optimal soil conditions, these shrubs can live for many years, sometimes decades, continually going through these life stages.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late winter to early spring
- The most popular method for propagating Hydrangea paniculata 'Perle d'Automne', commonly known as Panicle Hydrangea, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically performed in late spring to early summer when the new growth is still tender but mature enough to handle cutting and rooting processes. A healthy non-flowering shoot is selected and a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long is made just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed in a well-drained potting mix. Maintaining high humidity and consistent moisture without waterlogging is crucial for the cuttings to root successfully. It generally takes 4 to 8 weeks for cuttings to root, after which they can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted.