Paniculate hydrangea 'White Moth' Hydrangea paniculata 'White Moth'

Water

For the PeeGee hydrangea, which is the common name for Hydrangea paniculata 'White Moth', water deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant if rainfall doesn't suffice. During the first growing season, establishing a strong root system requires consistent moisture, so increase watering to twice a week if conditions are particularly hot or dry. Reduce watering to every other week in cooler weather or when rainfall is adequate. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases, instead focus on the base of the plant.

Light

The PeeGee hydrangea thrives in an area with full sun to partial shade. It's best positioned where it will receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight with some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent scorching. They can bloom in more shaded areas, but flowering may be less prolific. Good morning sunlight is especially beneficial to help dry dew on the leaves and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Temperature

PeeGee hydrangeas are cold-hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They are capable of withstanding winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing conditions are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer heat should not be an issue as long as the plant receives adequate water, but it's best situated in a location where it is protected from the harsh afternoon sun in regions with extreme summer temperatures.

Pruning

The PeeGee hydrangea should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove about one-third of the total height to encourage strong stems and larger flower heads. Pruning can also be done immediately after flowering if you want to shape the plant or remove spent blooms. It's not necessary to prune every year, but annual pruning helps maintain a manageable shape and promotes the health of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The panicled hydrangea 'White Moth' thrives best in a moist, well-draining loamy soil with abundant organic matter. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal to maintain healthy growth. A mixture of garden soil, peat moss, and compost will create favorable conditions for this plant.

Repotting

Panicled hydrangeas like 'White Moth' typically require repotting every 3 to 5 years. However, if the plant is growing vigorously and becomes root-bound or the soil quality degrades, it may need repotting more frequently.

Humidity & Misting

Panicled hydrangea 'White Moth' prefers consistently high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 60%. Maintaining these conditions will support its lush foliage and robust blooms.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and room to grow.

• Outdoor

  Find part-sun spot; protect from harsh afternoon sun.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Hydrangea paniculata 'White Moth', commonly known as Peegee Hydrangea, begins with seed germination, which occurs in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with a set of true leaves, and over time it grows larger, establishing a sturdy root system. In its juvenile phase, the hydrangea focuses on vegetative growth, expanding both its root and shoot systems. Upon reaching maturity, which can take several years, the plant begins its reproductive phase, producing large, conical flower clusters that start white and may turn pinkish as they age, usually blooming in mid to late summer. After pollination and fertilization, seeds are produced and dispersed in the fall, and the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. The Peegee Hydrangea's life cycle can repeat annually for many years, with the plant capable of living several decades under favorable conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter to Early Spring

• Propogation: Hydrangea paniculata 'White Moth', commonly known as the panicled hydrangea, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is best performed during late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and green but has not yet matured or turned woody. To propagate by softwood cuttings, gardeners should select healthy shoots that have no flowers, cutting lengths of about 5 to 6 inches (approximately 12.7 to 15.2 centimeters). Leaves near the bottom of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Cuttings are then placed in moist potting soil or a mixture of peat and perlite, ensuring that at least two sets of leaf nodes are submerged. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight, being careful to maintain soil moisture without saturation. Roots typically form within a few weeks, at which point the new hydrangea plants can gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions.