Pee Gee Hydrangeas
Pee Gee Hydrangeas are a type of hardy and fast-growing ornamental shrub with gorgeous summer blooms. They typically grow 8-15 feet and can be pruned to a main trunk and shaped into a decorative tree, and are also called tree hydrangeas for that reason. They originally get their name from the paniculata grandiflora, which can reach heights of 20-25 feet and was the first widely-cultivated version of this group. Paniculata hydrangeas have pyramid-shaped flower clusters known as panicles, setting them apart from other types of hydrangeas with spherical or mop-shaped clusters.
Pee Gee Hydrangeas Uses
They have rich green foliage and make excellent borders and hedges in their shrub form. They can also be enjoyed as ornamental trees, included among woodland gardens, or even grown in a pot or container. The flowers bloom in middle to late summer on the new season's wood growth as white or pale green clusters formed together in the panicle shape, and the colors graduate to pinks and golds as the season goes on. The clusters contain both infertile and fertile flowers, the latter making them attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Fresh and dried flowers can stand alone as decorations or contribute wonderfully to arrangements and bouquets, and dried clusters can last throughout the winter.
Growing Pee Gee Hydrangeas
Pee Gee Hydrangeas are some of the sturdiest plants, and grow well in a variety of climates throughout USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8 if given consistent watering and full sun. They may benefit from partial shade in the warmer, brighter zones, but are more tolerant of extensive sunlight and winter cold when compared to other types. Initial planting can be done in early spring or in the fall, and they will grow and bloom in most soil types, though ideally their soil should drain well and be rich in organic matter. Providing fertilizer in the spring and supplementary compost will help maintain the level of nutrition in the soil, and spreading mulch over the surrounding area will help keep the plant's shallow roots protected. Early spring is the best time for pruning an established Pee Gee, though only a little is needed to manage the size of the plant and encourage larger blooms. They are also tolerant of air pollution and other factors in urban and suburban gardens that might impact more delicate plants.
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