Full, rounded flower heads open white in early summer on this panicle hydrangea, about a month ahead of most panicles, and start turning pink almost at once. Hydrangea paniculata Quick Fire Fab® 'SMNHPM' grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide in full sun to part sun, hardy from Zone 3 through Zone 8.
The heads are closer in shape to a mophead than to the narrow cones most panicles carry, and they deepen to a strong pinkish red. The early color change brings deep pink while the rest of the garden is still green.
Panicle hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata, takes more sun than any other common hydrangea and flowers on new wood from midsummer into fall. Buds form in spring on the current year's growth, so a hard winter or a late frost does not cost it a season of bloom, and soil pH has no effect on the color.
Most panicle hydrangeas open white or green and age to pink or red. That change is driven by cool nights, so northern gardens color up strongly while warmer southern gardens tend to hold cream and soft blush instead. Cut back by about a third in late winter or early spring. Panicle hydrangeas take average soil as long as it drains, and once established they handle dry spells better than the other hydrangea groups.
At this size it works as a hedge, a screen, or the back of a border.
Size at Maturity
Height 6'- 8' Spread 5'- 6'
Growing Zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8
Lowest Temperatures -40°F to -30°F
Light Requirements
Full sun to part sun- at least 4 hours direct sun per day
Special Conditions
Seasons of Interest
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