How to Grow Hydrangea Paniculata Tardiva - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hydrangea paniculata tardiva is a deciduous shrub that is native to East Asia. It is a popular plant in gardens and landscaping due to its large, showy flowers. The flowers are white, pink, or purple, and bloom in late summer. The plant is relatively easy to care for, and does not require much pruning.

How to Grow Hydrangea Paniculata Tardiva - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • great hydrangea
  • hillier's hydrangea
  • late-flowering hydrangea
  • panicle hydrangea
  • peegee hydrangea

Basic info

  • Hydrangea paniculata tardiva is a paniculata type hydrangea.
  • It is native to Japan.
  • It is an upright, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-8’ (infrequently to 12’) tall.
  • It features conical, pyramidal clusters (to 6” long) of white flowers that bloom in late summer/early fall.
  • Flowers give way to persistent, brown, cone-shaped fruits that may persist into winter.
  • Lacy, dark green leaves turn yellow-brown in fall.
  • Best flowering occurs on old wood, but it will bloom on new wood if old wood is killed by harsh winters.
  • Prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soils, but it is quite tolerant of a wide range of soils.
  • It is often used as a specimen or hedge plant, and its flowers are popular in cut flower arrangements.
  • Hydrangea paniculata tardiva is a slow-growing shrub, but can be easily pruned to control its size and shape.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Growing Steps

  1. For hydrangea paniculata tardiva, first step is to find a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to plant your hydrangea in a spot that receives afternoon shade.
  2. Hydrangea paniculata tardiva prefers soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, you can amend it with compost or manure before planting.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball of your plant.
  4. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots around the edge of the root ball.
  5. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  6. Water the plant deeply after planting.
  7. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stem.
  8. Hydrangea paniculata tardiva does not require much fertilizer. If you choose to fertilize, do so sparingly and follow the directions on the package.
  9. Prune your plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful hydrangea paniculata tardiva!

Related plant:
Munchkin Oakleaf Hydrangea

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Hydrangea paniculata tardiva prefer acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, and they will not flower well in alkaline soils. They also like their soil to be moist but well-drained, and they will not tolerate soggy conditions. A thick layer of mulch will help to keep the roots cool and moist in summer.

Light requirement

So, like the other hydrangeas, the paniculata tardiva species requires at least six hours of sun exposure every day in order to bloom properly. In fact, this particular variety is known for being one of the most sun-sensitive of all the hydrangeas, so it's important to make sure it gets enough light. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you may need to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for hydrangea paniculata tardiva is cool weather. This plant does not like hot weather and will wilt in high temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If it gets too humid, the leaves will start to droop and the flowers will wilt. If it gets too dry, the leaves will start to brown and the flowers will fall off.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this plant prefers something with a low nitrogen content and a higher phosphorus number. This encourages flowering. You can also add some compost to the mix. As for the roots, they don't like to be disturbed, so be very careful when transplanting. It's best to transplant in the spring.

Light requirement

Pruning a plant can be therapeutic, and it can also be the key to keeping your plant healthy and looking its best. But how do you know when and how to prune your plant? Read on for a quick guide to pruning your Hydrangea paniculata tardiva. The best time to prune your Hydrangea paniculata tardiva is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will help ensure that your plant has a chance to recover from the pruning and produce new growth that is strong and healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. You should also remove any weak or spindly growth. Finally, trim back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to promote air circulation. With a little time and care, you can keep your Hydrangea paniculata tardiva looking its best for years to come!

The Propagation

Propagation is best done by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and in a location with bright, indirect light. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, transplant to a larger pot or outdoors to the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate between 2 to 3 feet annually under normal conditions. However, growth may be faster in rich soils with good drainage and full sun exposures. Slow growth rate is often seen in shady areas and poorly drained soils.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem canker. These can be treated with fungicides, but it is best to prevent them in the first place by watering properly and pruning correctly.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your plant, especially during the summer months.
  • Fertilize your plant regularly to ensure healthy growth.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking its best.
  • Place your plant in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Protect your plant from extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy frost.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, consider growing your plant in a pot so that you can bring it indoors when the weather turns cold.
  • When the flowers start to fade, cut them off to encourage your plant to produce more flowers.
  • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to neaten the plant and encourage reblooming.
  • Be on the lookout for pests or diseases that could harm your plant, and take steps to control them if necessary.
  • Enjoy the beauty of your hydr

Similar Plants

  • Hysterionica
  • Hysticola
  • Hystricocladium
  • Hystrix
  • Hystrix cristata
  • Hystrix indica
  • Hystrix patula
  • Hystrix rubra
  • Hystrix subpinnatifida
  • Hystrix tuberosa

Source:
Hydrangea paniculata | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva' habit: UIPLANTS - University of …
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the …

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category