How to Grow Hydrangea Paniculata Phantom - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hydrangea paniculata phantom is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. It is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its large, showy flowers. The phantom hydrangea gets its name from its large, white flowers that bloom in the summer.

How to Grow Hydrangea Paniculata Phantom - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Vanilla lace hydrangea
  • Snow white hydrangea
  • Wedding bouquet hydrangea
  • Peegee hydrangea
  • Grandiflora hydrangea

Basic info

  • Hydrangea paniculata phantom is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub.
  • It can reach up to 6 feet in height and 8 feet in width.
  • It has large, cone-shaped flower clusters that are white or pale pink in color.
  • The flowers bloom from late summer to early fall.
  • The leaves are dark green and turn red or purple in the fall.
  • The fruit is a small, black capsule.
  • Hydrangea paniculata phantom is native to China and Japan.
  • It was introduced into the United States in 189
  • It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant.
  • It is deer resistant.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Planting Process

  1. For hydrangea paniculata phantom, first step is to find a location that has good drainage and gets full sun to partial shade.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Once the hole is dug, mix some compost or organic matter into the soil that will be used to fill in around the plant.
  4. Now, it is time to plant the hydrangea. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
  5. Fill in around the plant with the soil mixture, tamping it down lightly as you go.
  6. Water the plant well.
  7. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
  8. Now, all you need to do is wait and watch your hydrangea grow!
  9. Once the plant is established, it will need to be pruned each year to encourage new growth and large flowers.
  10. Finally, enjoy the beautiful blooms of your hydrangea paniculata phantom!

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Bobo

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Hydrangea paniculata phantom does well in average to moist, well-drained soils, but it tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It prefer slightly acidic soils, but it also tolerates slightly alkaline soils. It is not particular about soil type, but it must have good drainage to perform well.

Light condition

So, like the other hydrangea paniculatas, the phantom variety prefers at least six hours of sunlight per day in order to bloom profusely. It will still produce blooms in partial sun, but they may be smaller in size. If you live in an area with very hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent the flowers from wilting.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for hydrangea paniculata phantom is a cool one. This plant does not like it when the temperature is too hot. It will do best in a place that is not too sunny and has some shade.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to wilt and the flowers will start to droop. If the humidity goes above 50%, the leaves will start to yellow and the flowers will start to brown.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with a balanced fertilizer. An all-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 can be used, applied according to the package directions. Be sure to water the plant well before and after applying fertilizer. The best time to fertilize a hydrangea paniculata phantom is in early spring, just as the new growth starts to appear. This plant is not particular about soil type, but it does prefer well-drained, moist soil. If you are growing hydrangeas in containers, be sure to use a light potting mix. Hydrangeas can be propagated by rooting softwood cuttings taken from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer.

About light

Pruning is an important aspect of keeping your hydrangea paniculata phantom healthy and looking its best. The best time to prune your phantom is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You should remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any suckers (new growth that sprouts from the base of the plant). You can also thin out the plant to improve air circulation and light penetration.

About Propagating

Propagation of hydrangea paniculata phantom is relatively easy. Stem cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer will root readily. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or planted out in the garden. Hydrangea paniculata phantom can also be propagated by division in early spring.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 6 inches a year, however it can grow up to 12 inches in a year.It is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of 15 feet and a width of 10 feet. The leaves are opposite, oblong to lanceolate, and 6-8 inches long. They are dark green in color with a pale green to white flowers that bloom in summer.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: 1. Fungal leaf spots 2. Powdery mildew 3. Root rot 4. Wilting 5. Yellowing leaves 6. Brown leaves 7. Dropping leaves 8. Blight 9. Badly formed blooms 10. Lack of flowering These problems can be caused by various factors such as incorrect watering, lack of nutrients, pests, and diseases. To address these issues, it is important to first identify the problem and then take corrective measures accordingly.

List to Know

  • If you want to grow healthy and strong hydrangea paniculata phantom plants, make sure to provide them with plenty of sunlight.
  • These plants prefer soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
  • Make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid problems with root rot.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Fertilize the plants twice a year, in spring and fall, with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the plants annually to shape them and encourage new growth.
  • Protect the plants from strong winds, which can damage the fragile flowers.
  • If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider growing the plants in containers that can be brought indoors.
  • These plants can be susceptible to fungal diseases

Similar Plants

  • hydrangea paniculata solo
  • hydrangea paniculata little miss muffet
  • hydrangea paniculata fire light
  • hydrangea paniculata pinky winky
  • hydrangea paniculata grosblad
  • hydrangea paniculata vanille fraise
  • hydrangea paniculata limelight
  • hydrangea paniculata quick fire
  • hydrangea paniculata great white
  • hydrangea paniculata little lamb

Source:
Shrub of the Week: 'Phantom' Hydrangea | BYGL
ENH457/ST298: Hydrangea paniculata: Panicle Hydrangea
Take a Look at Hydrangeas - Penn State Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category