FIRE LIGHT®

Hydrangea - Panicle

Hydrangea paniculata

'SMHPFL'

PP#25,135; CBR#5160

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Fire Light panicle hydrangea blooming in a landscape covered in red mophead blooms "} A single specimen of Fire Light panicle hydrangea covered in red mophead blooms Closeup of the flowers of Fire Light panicle hydrangea in their white phase Closeup of the blooms of Fire Light panicle hydrangea showing both the white and red coloration A specimen of Fire Light panicle hydrangea positively smothered in large red mophead blooms YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Very strong stems
  • Useful habit
  • Floriferous
Description

Fire Light® is the new standard to measure all hardy hydrangeas. Upright panicles are packed with florets which transform from pure white to rich pomegranate-pink. Its thick, sturdy stems hold up the beautiful flowers so they are prominently displayed in the garden. 

Fire Light hydrangea is the 2019 Hydrangea of the Year.

USDA Zone
3 - 8 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
6 - 8'
Width
6 - 8'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
White, Red
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.