Maintenance Landscaping Design

Hydrangea paniculata bobo is a hybrid deciduous shrub. The leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, and 6–12 cm long and 3–5 cm broad. The flowers are showy, large, and borne in corymbs up to 20 cm across, each flower 4–6 cm diameter, with 4 to 7 white or pink petals. The fruit is a dry, brown capsule, 3–4 cm long, containing numerous small seeds.

Popular name

• Hydrangea paniculata
  
• Limelight hydrangea
  
• Peegee hydrangea
  
• Grandiflora hydrangea
  
• Tree hydrangea

Things to Know

• Hydrangea paniculata 'Bobo' is a compact, deciduous shrub with large, rounded clusters of white flowers.
  
• It is a member of the hydrangea family and is native to Japan.
  
• The flowers of 'Bobo' are produced on new growth and typically bloom from late summer into fall.
  
• The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil.
  
• It is relatively drought tolerant once established.
  
• 'Bobo' can be propagated by rooting softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
  
• The shrub is generally pest and disease free.
  
• It can be pruned in late winter to early spring to shape and control growth.
  
• 'Bobo' typically reaches a height and width of 3-4 feet.
  
• It is an excellent choice for use as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or in mixed shrub borders.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

1. For hydrangea paniculata bobo, first step is to choose the right plant. You can select a plant that is already growing in your garden or you can purchase a young plant from a nursery.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
3. Third step is to remove the plant from the container it is growing in and loosen the roots gently.
   
4. Fourth step is to place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil, tamping it down around the plant.
   
5. Fifth step is to water the plant thoroughly.
   
6. Sixth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the plant, but not touching the stem.
   
7. Seventh step is to fertilize the plant according to the package directions.
   
8. Eighth step is to water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells.
   
9. Ninth step is to deadhead the plant as the blooms fade.
   
10. Tenth step is to prune the plant in late winter or early spring to shape it and encourage new growth.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Pinky Winky

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Hydrangeas grow best in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the plants may produce fewer flowers.

Light condition

Not too different with other hydrangeas, the hydrangea paniculata bobo does best in full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate full shade, but won't produce as many flowers. Plant in soil that is rich, well-drained and moist.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for hydrangea paniculata bobo is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also tolerate a little bit of shade, but too much shade will result in fewer flowers. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will start to wilt and the flowers will droop.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and the flowers will wilt. If the air is too humid, the leaves will start to yellow and the flowers will drop prematurely.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a balanced fertilizer that is applied evenly over the root zone according to the package directions. It is particularly important to not over-fertilize, as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage at the expense of flowers. Regarding the roots, they are typically fairly shallow, so be careful not to plant too deeply. It is also a good idea to amend the soil with organic matter prior to planting to help improve drainage.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for your hydrangea paniculata bobo. By pruning, you can encourage new growth, shape the plant, and remove any damaged or diseased branches. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruners. Make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle. Avoid damaging the plant by pruning too much at once.

About Propagating

Propagation of Hydrangea paniculata 'Bobo' is best accomplished through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened perlite or sand and keep the pot in partial shade. The cutting should root within 6-8 weeks. Once rooted, transplant to a location with well-drained soil in partial to full sun.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate, typically around 6 to 12 inches per year. However, in ideal conditions, some plants have been known to grow up to 24 inches in a single season. The best time to plant a bobo is in the spring.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Rust is a red or orange powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Leaf spot is a brown or black spots that appear on the leaves of the plant.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your plant, especially during the hot summer months. Hydrangea paniculata bobo requires lots of moisture to thrive.
  
• Place your plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
  
• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Prune away any dead or diseased branches on a regular basis.
  
• Fertilize your plant once every 2-3 weeks using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Be on the lookout for pests and diseases. Treat immediately if you notice any problems.
  
• Cut back the plant by one-third in late fall to promote new growth in the spring.
  
• Divide the plant every 3-4 years to promote healthy growth.
  
• Plant new hydrangea paniculata bobo plants in the spring or fall.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful blooms

Similar Plants

• Hydrangea paniculata jane.
  
• Hydrangea paniculata tiny tumtum.
  
• Hydrangea paniculata phaenomenal.
  
• Hydrangea paniculata maginfica.
  
• Hydrangea paniculata great white.
  
• Hydrangea paniculata bobbie jane.
  
• Hydrangea paniculata little lime.
  
• Hydrangea paniculata white wedge.
  
• Hydrangea paniculata sweet summer.
  
• Hydrangea paniculata limelight.

Source:
ENH457/ST298: Hydrangea paniculata: Panicle Hydrangea
Take a Look at Hydrangeas - Penn State Extension
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut