Quick Fire® Panicle Hydrangea

This extremely early bloomer fills the garden with lush lacecap loveliness well before other panicle hydrangeas have begun to bud out. Its fluffy flowers open bright white and mature to a soft shade of pink, just as other panicles are beginning to bloom. If you love hydrangeas, Quick Fire® will help you get the most out of the season! By the time fall rolls around, its blooms have finally matured to a rich, dark pink accompanying glowing red and orange fall foliage. It makes a handsome addition to mixed borders and perennial gardens. It sets buds on new wood, so you’ll never have to worry about harsh winters zapping your precious summer show.

Why grow Quick Fire® panicle hydrangea?

  • Dazzlingly colorful flowers and foliage.
  • Quickly grows to its mature size.
  • Very strong stems.

Additional information

Dimensions6 × 6 ft
Botanical Name

Hydrangea paniculata 'Bulk' PP#16,812, CBR#3398

Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Flower Color

Pink, Red, White

Foliage Color

Green

Height

6-8'

Width/Spread

6-8'

Exposure

Full Sun, Part Shade

Soil

Average

Bloom Time

Summer

Uses

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

Features

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

Blooms On

New wood

Breeder

Mark Bulk

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.