HYDRANGEA paniculata | How to Grow & Care

Hydrangea paniculata has become one of the signature flowering shrubs in Australian gardens, and at Warners Nurseries we take enormous pride in perfecting these spectacular performers. For decades we’ve selected varieties with strong structure, sun tolerance, long flowering seasons and exceptional colour transitions, ensuring they thrive in real gardens and deliver season‑long impact.

Many gardeners first discovered just how breathtaking Hydrangea paniculata can be when they saw our show‑stopping Hydrangea ‘Sundae Fraise’ Avenue in the Warners show garden at MIFGS 2022. This unforgettable display of crisp white and blush‑pink cones stretching down an elegant path showcased exactly what these compact, sun‑hardy shrubs can achieve when mass‑planted.

FEATURED VARIETIES IN THE WARNERS PANICULATA RANGE:

Hydrangea paniculata 'Candlelight' pbr
Creamy white panicles held on deep red stems, ageing beautifully into vivid pink tones. Strong upright stems keep blooms pristine from late summer to autumn, with foliage turning yellow before winter

Hydrangea paniculata Grandiflora (Peegee)
Produces large 30 cm conical blooms, creamy white ageing to soft pink, supported by a broad, bushy structure. Foliage warms to yellow in autumn. A striking border specimen or container plant.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Mojito' pbr
'Mojito' is a vigorous hydrangea with a rounded, robust growth habit. Its dense blooms emerge a lime green before turning creamy white with soft green and blush tones as they mature. Flower heads are supported by firm, well‑structured stems and vibrant green foliage that turns yellow in autumn. Ideal as a feature shrub in mixed garden beds, 'Mojito' also performs beautifully as a small to medium summer–autumn flowering hedge. Its compact yet impressive form makes it perfectly suited to smaller gardens, borders, or bold mass plantings.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Sundae Fraise' pbr
A favourite in the Warners collection — and the star of our MIFGS 2022 Garden where its luminous cones lining “The Avenue” created one of the most photographed vistas of the entire show.

This compact, sun‑tolerant shrub produces large cream‑white panicles that begin green, then gradually develop a delicate pink flush that become richer with maturity. Foliage turns golden yellow in autumn, echoing the beauty of its flowers before winter dormancy.
Compact at 1.2m × 1.2m, it’s ideal for garden beds, narrow borders, large pots, patios, and small spaces — and absolutely breathtaking when mass‑planted as demonstrated at MIFGS.

GROWING & CARE GUIDE (ALL PANICULATA VARIETIES)

PREPARING FOR PLANTING:

See our GOOD PLANTING GUIDE for guidance on how to properly prepare to plant.

Positioning:

• Thrives in full sun to part shade.
• Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
• Mulch around plant to protect the water catchment area.
• Add some compost for extra nutrition.

Soil

• Tolerates any well‑drained soil.
• Flower colour not influenced by soil pH.

Watering:

• Keep plants moist in warmer months.
• Avoid spraying flowers.
• Water sparingly in winter when dormant.

Feeding

• Apply a slow‑release fertiliser in late spring.
• Mulch annually to retain moisture.

Pruning

• Prune in winter after flowering.
• Cut stems to 30–45cm to encourage strong new‑season flowering (blooms form on new wood).
• Fertilise after trimmimg and in spring.

Pests & Problems

• Hydrangeas are quite hardy and relatively tolerant to pest and disease.
• Watch for powdery mildew, mites, or aphids; treat promptly if observed.

LANDSCAPE USES

Hydrangea paniculata varieties are versatile and impactful:

• Feature shrub or border highlight
• Mass planting
• Large pots for patios or entrances
• Mixed borders with grasses and perennials
• Excellent cut flowers (fresh or dried)