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photo of Dr. Johan Van Huylenbroeck

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Johan Van Huylenbroeck
Belgium

BOBO®

Hydrangea - Panicle

Hydrangea paniculata

'ILVOBO'

PP#22,782; CBR#4910

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A specimen of Bobo hydrangea in full bloom in a landscape with a man in a red shirt next to it "} A specimen of Bobo hydrangea that is smothered in lacy white mophead blooms Several Bobo hydrangea shrubs in full bloom in a landscape with a backdrop of dark red ninebark Closeup of the mophead bloom of Bobo panicle hydrangea in its white phase Several blooms of Bobo panicle hydrangea in their pink phase A specimen of Bobo hydrangea just starting to take on pink coloration A blooming specimen of Bobo panicle hydrangea in a sunlight summer landscape Bobo panicle hydrangea blooming in a large container surrounded by bright pink petunias YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Space saving
  • Extremely floriferous
  • Award winner
Description

Big blooms on a compact habit! Bobo® dwarf panicle hydrangea has been turning heads since we first saw it at the ILVO research station in Belgium. Exceptionally floriferous, its compact little frame is smothered with large, lacy, white cones that age to a lovely soft pink. The creamy blooms make excellent cut flowers for fresh arrangements or drying, or you can leave them on the plant for some added interest over winter. With an early summer bloom, these hydrangeas start hydrangea season with a bang. Bobo® Hydrangea paniculata’s small size is perfect for mixed borders, mass plantings, and containers. 

Awards
Gold Florall, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal 2021
USDA Zone
3 - 8 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
2.5-3'
Width
3-4'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
White, Pink
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Adaptable to most any soil except very wet or excessively alkaline soils.

Pruning

In late winter or early spring, cut back by about one-third its total height, just above a set of large buds. This ensures that the growth for the season will come vigorous buds lower on the plant and also serves to remove any remaining dried blooms. Alternatively, cut back in autumn once the plant has gone completely dormant. May be cut back harder if desired, though this tends to produce stems that are unable to achieve maximum stem strength the following season.

Uses

Specimen; mixed borders; mass plantings. Makes a good hedge or screen. Excellent for cut flowers, both fresh and dried.

Growing Tips

Panicle hydrangeas are the most sun tolerant hydrangeas and are also resistant to wilting. In cooler climates, full sun is recommended for best stem strength and flower set. Flower color is unaffected by soil chemistry. If flowers turn brown and dry instead of aging to pink or red, this indicates that the plant needs more water or that nighttime temperatures are too high for the transition to occur.

  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week March 25, 2021
  • Grower Sheet: Bobo® Hydrangea Grower Sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week March 12, 2020
  • Spec Sheet: Bobo® Hydrangea Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Bobo® Hydrangea Benchcard
  • Tag: Bobo® Hydrangea Tag

    • Features: Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Cut flower, Fall interest, Salt tolerant, Compact, Dwarf, Award winner

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Panicle, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Pink flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Cut flower, Fall interest, Salt tolerant, Compact, Dwarf, Award winner

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Panicle, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Pink flowers, Green foliage