Little QUICK FIRE®

Hydrangea - Panicle

Hydrangea paniculata

'SMHPLQF'

PP#25,136; CBR#5406

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Little Quick Fire panicle hydrangea in the landscape showing its early red blooms and dwarf habit "} Closeup of the red color developing on Little Quick Fire hydrangea Little Quick Fire panicle hydrangea in the landscape showing white lacecap flowers The red lacecap blooms of Little Quick Fire panicle hydrangea Little Quick Fire panicle hydrangea blooming in a large container on a patio YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Early blooming
  • Hardy
  • Months of color
Description

A dwarf version of best-selling Quick Fire® hydrangea. It has the same early bloom time as the original Quick Fire®, but this dwarf cultivar is about one third the size. The flowers quickly age to a deep burgundy red before other varieties even start to bloom - plus it boasts the best fall leaf color out of any Hydrangea paniculata! The compact habit makes it a great choice for extending the season in smaller landscapes and container gardens.

USDA Zone
3 - 8 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3 - 5'
Width
3 - 5'
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.