Fire Light® Panicle Hydrangea

Big blooms, big habit, and very little to worry about. Fire Light® hydrangea has large, showy blooms, held perfectly upon strong stems. In early summer, its flowers emerge creamy white and mature to an extremely rich pomegranate-red color. All the while, its thick green foliage remains healthy and vibrant until fall. For such a large plant you’d think it would need more maintenance, but a simple health trim in spring sets it up nicely for the rest of the season until the following spring. It sets buds on new wood, so there is no worry about removing them accidentally with pruning or seeing them zapped off by a sharp dip in temperatures in the springtime. Its easy-care nature, adaptability to many soil types, and ability to thrive in full to part sun makes it an easy choice as a specimen, hedge, or in foundation plantings.

Why grow Fire Light® panicle hydrangea?

  • Deep pomegranate-red color
  • Thick, sturdy stems for unflopping flowers
  • Blooms on new wood, no need to worry about harsh winters

Additional information

Dimensions4.5 × 4.5 ft
Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Flower Color

Pink, White

Foliage Color

Green

Height

6-8'

Width/Spread

6-8'

Exposure

Full Sun, Part Shade

Soil

Average, Well-drained

Bloom Time

Summer

Uses

Borders, Containers, Covering Fences, Cutting Gardens, Foundations, Hedges, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Rain Gardens, Specimen

Features

Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Cut flower, Fall interest, Landscape plant, Salt tolerant

Blooms On

New wood

Breeder

Tim Wood

Plant Care

Light: The most sun-tolerant type of hydrangea! It will thrive in full sun to part shade. In warmer zones, it could benefit from placement in afternoon shade.

Soil: Prefers moist soil that drains easily. Any period of extended sogginess will not be tolerated. Soil pH does not affect flower color, it matures to deep pink in the fall. If browning occurs instead of aging to pink, this is an indication the nights are too warm or that it is getting inconsistent water.

Water: Average water needs.

Fertilizing: Nothing special required. If desired, you may apply a granular fertilizer formulated for woody plants in late winter/early spring when the soil is workable.

Pruning: Pruning is recommended in early spring. Remove weak branches in the middle and about 1/3 of the height and width. Make cuts just about 1/4 of an inch above a bud. Dead or damaged wood can be removed at any time, just cut back to a set of leaves!

Other: It can be used as a cut flower! For its longest vase life, cut vertically up the stem about 2″. This will help it absorb more water.