Fire Light Hydrangea

Description

Fire Light^® is the standard to measure all panicle hydrangeas! We developed this easy-to-grow, reliable panicle hydrangea in Michigan, selecting it for its huge, full flower heads and sturdy, strong stems. Blooms emerge creamy-white and age to a vivid red for lots of summer color. It makes a great cut flower, fresh or dried, and can be used as a hedge, specimen, or incorporated into flower gardens and foundation plantings.

Top three reasons to grow Fire Light^® hydrangea:

• • Exceptionally hardy, growing and flowering well even in chilly zone 3
  • large flowers age to red early in the summer for a colorful display
  • low-maintenance and easy to grow – the perfect plant for “black thumbs.”

Characteristics

Duration: Shrub
Shrub Type: Deciduous
Height Category: Medium
Garden Height: 54 – 72 Inches
Spacing: 54 – 72 Inches
Spread: 54 – 72 Inches
Flower Colors: Pink
Flower Colors: Red
Flower Colors: White
Flower Shade: White changing to pink-red
Foliage Colors: Green
Foliage Shade: green
Habit: Upright
Container Role: Thriller

Plant Needs

Light Requirement: Part Sun to Sun
Maintenance Category: Easy
Blooms On: New Wood
Bloom Time: Early Summer
Bloom Time: Mid Summer
Bloom Time: Late Summer
Hardiness Zones: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Water Category: Average
Uses: Border Plant
Uses: Container
Uses: Cut Flower
Uses: Dried Flower
Uses: Good for Screening
Uses: Landscape
Uses: Mass Planting
Uses: Specimen or Focal Point
Maintenance Notes: Panicle hydrangeas are best pruned in late fall or early spring. Cut the branches back by about one-third their total length. This plant tolerates a wide range of conditions, but does not grow well in soggy soil. Plant in full sun in zones 3-7; afternoon shade is preferable in warmer areas. A good 2-3″ (5-7.6 cm) layer of shredded bark mulch over the roots is very beneficial.

If desired, fertilize in early spring with a granular fertilizer formulated for woody plants, like a rose fertilizer.