Pinky Winky® Hardy Hydrangea

A whole garden in one plant. Pinky Winky™ is covered in massive two-toned panicles in the summertime. Flowers emerge bright white at the tip and mature in color from the bottom up, flushing a dramatic dark pink. The flowers continue to grow throughout the summer, giving the plant two distinct colors at once. What makes this a truly impressive show, however, is the size of the bloom itself. Ranging from 12 to 16 inches, these flowers easily steal the show! They’re displayed nicely on very strong stems, so there’s no worry of them flopping just when the show is at its height. You truly only need one plant to make your garden one of the most impressive in the neighborhood! Who knew choosing a specimen plant could be so easy?

Why grow Pinky Winky™ panicle hydrangeas?

  • Two-toned coloring
  • Panicles are huge – 12-16″ long panicles
  • Extremely strong stems

Additional information

Dimensions6 × 6 ft
Botanical Name

Hydrangea paniculata 'DVPPINKY' PP#16,166, CBR#2889

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, Hedges, Mass Planting, Screening, Specimen

Features

Alkaline soil, Attracts pollinators, Award winner, Clay soil, Cut flower, Fall interest, Landscape plant, Salt tolerant

Blooms On

New wood

Breeder

Dr. Johan Van Huylenbroeck

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.