We like to say that Fire Light® is the standard by which you can measure all panicle hydrangeas. Plus, it's the 2019 Proven Winners® hydrangea of the year! This easy-to-grow, reliable, panicle hydrangea was developed in Michigan, selected for its huge, full flower heads and sturdy, strong stems. Blooms emerge creamy-white and age to a vivid red for lots of summer color. It makes a great cut flower, fresh or dried, and can be used as a hedge, specimen, or incorporated into flower gardens and foundation plantings.
Hardy to USDA Zone 3, they bloom every year - even after bad winters. The flowers open white and then turn pink-red. Need a smaller variety? Try a dwarf variety such as Little Quick Fire®.
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| Fire Light® Hydrangea paniculata |
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| Fire Light® Hydrangea paniculata in container |
Sorry, these hydrangea aren't going to turn blue. They start out white, then transition to pink-red. That's what they do.
If you want a blue hydrangea you need to grow a H. macrophylla or H. serrata. And you need to grow it with attention to flower color.
This isn't an overnight process. You can't go out to a crop of beautiful pink mophead hydrangeas and change them to blue instantly. But with proper planning and execution you can have that sea of blue flowers.
Here is a very good article about shifting hydrangea color. It has more detail than most such articles, and really helpful!
If you need something a little less technical, we have a really nice pdf that you are welcome to link to and share.
Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles
