Saturday, July 18, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva July 18 2009


H. p. ‘Tardiva’ has a strong upright posture and fairly bold leaf texture. It has the potential to reach 15’ tall but can be easily maintained at 8’-10’. It has good vigor and is tolerant of both drought and clay soil but looks its best when it has adequate moisture and is not drought stressed. It likes a little shelter from the afternoon sun but with adequate moisture is performs well in full sun

This hydrangea is attractive to butterflies, especially as the blossoms first open. The casual clusters of white flower offer an informal but tidy appearance that is attractive at every stage. I love the kaleidoscope of muted colors as the petals fade to a blush of dusky rose with an occasional violet hue and then to a light cinnamon toast.
Care Factor Rating: 2 ( must be watered regularly till established and requires only one non-selective pruning occasion)

Grow this easy “urban friendly” hydrangea “green” by placing it on the edge of a rain garden where its roots can access the collected moisture without standing it directly in soggy soil. It has few if any significant pest problems and is frequently listed as Japanese beetle resistant. Hydrangea Tardiva’s best time to prune is early spring just before leaf buds emerge.
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