Deciduous & Flowering Shrubs
Bombshell panicle hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Bombshell'
Bombshell panicle hydrangea forms a low, mounded deciduous shrub with nearly rounded flower clusters that open white and deepen to pink or rosy tones. Flowers generally appear from midsummer into fall, bringing a long season of color to mixed borders and stems for cutting. Mature size estimates differ: allow roughly 2 to 5 feet in height and 3 to 5 feet in spread, with local growth depending on conditions. Plant in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. In Southwest Washington, give it water during dry spells, especially where afternoon sun or reflected heat can stress the leaves.
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Hydrangea paniculata 'Bombshell' Hortensja bukietowa 2019-07-20 01.jpg
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At a glance
- Mature height
- About 2–5 feet
- Mature spread
- About 3–5 feet
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its mounded habit and flower clusters suit mixed borders. Cut stems while flowering if you want to bring them indoors.
Where to plant
Allow room for a spread of about 3 to 5 feet. Choose full sun to partial shade, with protection from harsh reflected heat where practical.
Through the seasons
Nearly rounded clusters open white and turn pink to rosy tones as they mature. Flowering generally runs from midsummer into fall.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Southwest Washington dry spells and heat can stress hydrangea leaves. Check soil moisture during hot weather and water before the root zone dries out.
Soil, drainage & water
Grow in moist, well-drained soil. Water during dry or hot periods; panicle hydrangeas are not drought tolerant.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; panicle hydrangeas flower on new growth. Avoid heavy summer pruning, which can reduce flowering.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Failure to bloom
Few or no flowers.
Help your plant thrive
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, and provide adequate light.
Fungal leaf spots
Brown, black, or gray leaf spots; badly affected leaves may yellow and drop.
Help your plant thrive
Avoid overhead watering, allow air circulation, and remove affected leaves and fallen debris.
Leaf scorch
Wilting or yellowing leaves with dry brown tips, margins, or blotches.
Help your plant thrive
Maintain soil moisture, mulch the root zone, and avoid harsh reflected heat where practical.
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Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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