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photo of Dr. Johan Van Huylenbroeck

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Johan Van Huylenbroeck
Belgium

PINKY WINKY®

Hydrangea - Panicle

Hydrangea paniculata

'DVP PINKY'

PP#16,166; CBR#2889

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The very pointy pink and white lacecap blooms of the inimitable Pinky Winky hydrangea Three specimens of Pinky Winky hydrangea blooming in a landscape showing their shaded dark pink to white coloring Closeup of the extra large lacecap blooms of Pinky Winky panicle hydrangea showing pink to white coloring The large lacecap blooms of Pinky Winky hydrangea have turned entirely pink at this point in the season YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Supersized flowers
  • Very colorful
  • Hardy
Description

Huge bi-colored blooms! Pinky Winky® panicle hydrangea has a distinctive name, and an even more distinctive flower. The large white panicles open in mid to late summer, and as summer becomes fall, the florets at the base of the panicles take on a clear, true pink. The flower panicles continue to grow, producing new white florets at the tip. The result is spectacular two-toned flower panicles that can reach up to 16 inches in length! They are held up on some of the strongest, thickest stems you'll ever see on a panicle hydrangea.

Awards
2008 Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, ASCFG Woody Cut Flower 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, 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.

  • Spec Sheet: Pinky Winky® Hydrangea Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Pinky Winky® Hydrangea Benchcard
  • Tag: Pinky Winky® Hydrangea Tag
  • Grower Sheet: Pinky Winky® Hydrangea Grower Sheet
  • Benchcard: Pinky Winky Hydrangea - Tree Form

    • Features: Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Cut flower, Fall interest, Salt tolerant, Attracts pollinators, 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, Attracts pollinators, 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