Pinky Winky Prime™ Panicle Hydrangea

Welcome to the grandeur of the Pinky Winky Prime™ Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), an ornamental shrub that's poised to captivate with its remarkable floral display and robust growth. This stunning hydrangea variety is acclaimed for its impressive stature and show-stopping two-toned blooms that transition from pure white to a vivacious pink as the season progresses.

The Pinky Winky Prime™ is not just any hydrangea—it's a botanical marvel that grows to a commanding height and spread of 6 to 9 feet, making it an ideal choice for those looking to create a sense of majesty in their garden spaces. Whether you aim to craft an eye-catching hedge or desire a solitary specimen to draw admiring glances, this hydrangea delivers with its upright and hearty habit.

As the summer warmth seeps into the air, Pinky Winky Prime™ begins its performance, unleashing panicles that can reach an impressive size. Unlike other hydrangeas that may shy away from the spotlight, this cultivar flourishes in a full sun to partial shade setting, basking in the glow for 4 to 6 hours a day to present its lavish bloom from mid-summer through early fall.

• Plant Type: Shrub
• Watering Needs: Average water requirements; consistent moisture aids in optimal growth and bloom.
• Botanical Pronunciation: hy-DRAIN-jee-uh pan-ih-KYOO-luh-tuh
• Deciduous/evergreen: Deciduous
• Growth rate: Moderate to Fast
• Average landscape size: Robust growing; reaches 6-9’ tall and wide, providing a commanding presence.
• Special features: Fall Interest, Salt Tolerant, Attracts Bees and Butterflies, Border Plant, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Suitable for Containers
• Dramatic Foliage: No; however, it has dark green foliage that provides a lush backdrop to its two-toned flowers.
• Foliage color: Green
• Blooms: Mid Summer to Early Fall
• Flower color: Pink and White
• Flower attributes: Large, Showy, Two-toned Flowers
• Garden style: Cottage, Formal, Modern, Rustic
• Design Ideas: Ideal as a stunning backdrop in mixed borders or as a feature plant in garden beds. It's perfect for creating a visual impact with its height and bloom size in landscape designs. It can also serve as an anchor plant in larger flower gardens or as a natural, informal hedge. Due to its attractiveness to pollinators, it’s excellent for inclusion in wildlife gardens.
• Companion Plants: Consider pairing with plants that have contrasting foliage or bloom colors to accentuate its two-toned flowers. Good companions include lavender, roses, and ornamental grasses.

Planting Instructions:

• Location: Choose a site with partial sun to full sun exposure, ensuring that the plant receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Soil: This hydrangea prefers good, loamy soil but is adaptable to many soil types. The soil should drain well to prevent standing water.
• Spacing: Plant the hydrangeas 6 to 9 feet apart to allow for their mature spread.
• Planting Depth: The root ball should be level with the ground. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide.
• Watering: After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Maintain consistent moisture, especially in the first growing season, to establish a strong root system.

Care Instructions:

• Sunlight: This hydrangea thrives in full sun to part sun. If you live in a region with hot summers, afternoon shade can help protect the plant.
• Watering: Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Reduce watering frequency once the plant is established, but increase it during extreme heat.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs, following label recommendations for application rates.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pinky Winky Prime™ blooms on new wood, so pruning will encourage robust blooms.
• Winter Care: In colder zones, protect the roots in winter by applying a thicker layer of mulch. Hydrangeas can handle cold temperatures but benefit from protection against harsh winds and deep frost.

Troubleshooting:

• Browning Leaves: This could indicate overwatering or underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
• Lack of Flowers: If your hydrangea is not blooming, it may be due to over-pruning or insufficient sunlight. Ensure that it gets enough sun and avoid cutting back the plant too much during its flowering period.
• Pests and Diseases: While generally hardy, the plant can encounter issues with aphids, mites, and powdery mildew. Treat with appropriate horticultural oils or fungicides and improve air circulation around the plant.

With these planting and care tips, your Pinky Winky Prime™ Panicle Hydrangea will be set for success, bringing a spectacular show of blooms to your garden year after year.