How to identify Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

How to identify Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

Panicle hydrangea, also known as Peegee hydrangea

Panicle hydrangea is characterized by a robust and coarse-textured presence, with a notable height of 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.6 meters), and a potential maximum height of about 25 feet (7.6 meters). This deciduous entity enjoys sunlight and displays distinctive oppositely arranged, serrated leaves that are dark green on the top and lighter underneath. It bears impressive, conical panicles of creamy white flowers, stretching 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long, which transition to pink and eventually brown as the season progresses. These blooms consist of both fertile and sterile flowers, arrayed on sturdy, reddish-brown stems veined with gray.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Panicle hydrangea

Robust, deciduous plant reaching 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 meters), max 25 feet (7.6 meters).

Oppositely arranged, serrated dark green leaves with lighter undersides.

Creamy white flowers in pyramidal panicles, aging to pink and brown.

Distinctive brownish-pink fruit capsules opening to release seeds, non-edible.

Grayish-brown, drooping stems with rugged texture and moderate thickness.

Detailed Traits of Panicle hydrangea

Leaf Features

The leaves of panicle hydrangea are opposite, simple, and range from oval to ovate in shape. Measuring 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) long and 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm) wide, they are dark green on the top and light green underneath, turning yellow in the fall. Their margins are serrate, and the undersides are pubescent, particularly near the veins. The petioles are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite ,

Whorled

Panicle hydrangea Leaf Arrangement image

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Flower Features

The flowers of panicle hydrangea are characterized by pyramidal panicles, measuring 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long. These creamy white blooms appear in summer on new growth and gradually fade to a pinkish rose and tannish brown. Each panicle consists of both fertile and sterile flowers, contributing to its full, lush appearance. The distinct transformation in color as the bloom ages is a notable feature. The flowers do not emit any significant fragrance.

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Stem Features

The stems of panicle hydrangea are grayish-brown, often drooping due to the weight of the flowers. They exhibit a rough, textured surface and a moderate thickness, typically around 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter. The branching pattern is somewhat sprawling, creating an arching effect. These stems have a woody base but become more flexible and green toward the tips, contributing to the plant's overall cascading appearance.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of panicle hydrangea is a capsule that has a distinct brownish-pink hue. Its oval shape holds true to the dehiscent nature of the fruit, meaning it opens along a seam to release seeds. The surface texture remains nondescript, catering to an understated aesthetic rather than an ornamental one. This fruit typically develops through the warmer seasons of summer and fall, measuring approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in size. Although it is part of the plant's reproductive cycle, it does not serve as a food source to entice wildlife.

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Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Panicle hydrangea and Their Similar Plants

Bigleaf hydrangea vs. Panicle hydrangea: What's The Difference?

Smooth hydrangea vs. Panicle hydrangea: What's The Difference?

Smooth hydrangea (*Hydrangea arborescens*) is a deciduous shrub, naturally found on streambanks, gorges, and wooden slopes in many parts of Northern America. It is commonly recognized by its showy inflorescences - big white corymbs which bloom during summer. Smooth hydrangea is often cultivated as an ornamental, and it is an excellent choice for a border plant.

Oakleaf hydrangea vs. Panicle hydrangea: What's The Difference?

The oakleaf hydrangea is native to the southeastern United States, generally found from North Carolina down to Florida. Discovered by William Bartram in the 1770s, it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens as well as parks.

Mountain hydrangea vs. Panicle hydrangea: What's The Difference?

The mountain hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that blooms in summer and autumn. It is native to Japan and Korea. The scientific name of this species, Hydrangea serrata, means "water vessel" and refers to the shape of its fruit. It is often planted on borders near homes and patios.

Climbing hydrangea vs. Panicle hydrangea: What's The Difference?

Climbing hydrangea is named for its growth form, as its aerial rootlets allow it to climb walls, trees, and other structures. It can be grown in shady corners and has good resistance to rabbits and drought. Its bark has a history of use as a writing medium. Note, however, that this plant is moderately toxic when ingested.

Blue evergreen hydrangea vs. Panicle hydrangea: What's The Difference?

The blue evergreen hydrangea (Hydrangea febrifuga*)* is a beautiful shrub that can serve as an accent or hedge in your garden landscape. The plant attracts wildlife such as birds and butterflies. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin words 'febris' and 'fugare 'which mean 'fever' and 'to expel,' as this plant is a widely known traditional medicine in Asia.

Panicled hydrangea 'Limelight' vs. Panicle hydrangea: What's The Difference?

The panicled hydrangea 'Limelight' is a cultivar named for its white-and-lime green blooms. These appear in profusion in pyramid-shaped clusters and make the shrub perfect for filling out large garden spaces. It is hardier and more cold-resistant than many other cultivars. However, it is susceptible to gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, and leaf spots.

Oakleaf hydrangea 'Snow Queen' vs. Panicle hydrangea: What's The Difference?

Oakleaf hydrangea 'Snow Queen' is distinct for its very showy white blooms. A cultivar of Hydrangea quercifolia, its name refers to those flowers. Gardeners love this plant for its large, dense, upright flower heads and its oak-like leaves that turn bronze-purple and red.

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Key Facts About Panicle hydrangea

Attributes of Panicle hydrangea

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 5 m

Spread

2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

15 cm to 26 cm

Flower Color

White

Pink

Cream

Green

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Stem Color

Green

White

Pink

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Panicle hydrangea

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Dogwoods, hydrangeas, and allies

Family

Hydrangea

Genus

Hydrangeas

Species

Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

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Distribution Map of Panicle hydrangea

Panicle hydrangea is native to East Asia, from south China to Japan, growing in forests, bamboo scrubland, mountain slopes and tops, and sparse forests. It has been introduced in the Koreas and the northeastern US, where it is popular as an ornamental garden shrub or tree.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Panicle hydrangea

A Comprehensive Guide to Panicle hydrangea How to Grow and Care for Panicle hydrangea