Panicle Hydrangea 'Petit Flori'

Panicle hydrangea 'Petite Flori' (Hydrangea paniculata 'Petite Flori') is a dwarf with the presence of a full-grown shrub. Dark red, rigid shoots set their buds as early as late May, and then the white panicles turn pink and finally deepen to rich red.

At about 0.8 m tall and 0.6 m wide it fits where vigorous hydrangeas never would: a narrow border, a group by the terrace, a container on the balcony. Flowering runs from July into October, and pruning is simple - do it in spring, since the blooms come on the current year's growth.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The shoots are reddish-burgundy, so the shrub looks smart even out of flower, and the white panicles seem brighter against them.
• Dimensions: 0.8 m tall and 0.6 m wide at 10 years.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -25 °C (USDA zone 5).
• Flowering: From July to October it carries white panicles that turn pink and deepen to red.
• Light: Equally at home in full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: It takes readily to organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil; the one thing it dislikes is standing water.
• Watering: Moderate watering: keep the soil evenly moist through the season.
• Care: It flowers on the current year's shoots, so it responds happily to pruning in late winter or early spring.
• Landscape use: Excellent in a border, in a low group by the terrace and in a container.
• Origin: A French selection by Lilaveronica from the Petite series; the registered cultivar name is 'Coussine', with EU plant breeders' rights.