Hydrangea Wims Red

One of the earliest paniculate hydrangeas to come into flower and with a very long season in bloom, Hydrangea paniculata Wim’s Red is a medium-sized to tall, deciduous shrub with strong, red-tinted stems and toothed, ovate mid-green leaves; the foliage is dense and weed-suppressing. The conical, creamy-white flower heads, 1/30cm long, come in as early as May, beautiful with the red new stem-growth. The honey-scented blooms fade to pale pink in July, and, as the nights get cooler in September, an attractive wine-red, lasting until November. The colour is better in full sun, but the shrub dislikes scorching mid-day and early afternoon sun on a dry site, and exposed east-facing sites. Hydrangea Wims Red is good for pollinators and is a sturdy, low-maintenance shrub. Leave the dead flowers over winter to protect new buds.

Site: Tolerates some exposure
Soil: Moist but well drained acid to neutral soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade; likes dappled shade
Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 66 (2m) Spread: 66 (2m) in 5-10 years; can grow larger

This delicate yet statuesque hydrangea goes through a wonderful change of colours, starting cream with a deep red stem, deepening to rich pink and finishing a beautiful pewter. I’ve just put several of these into my new Dutch yard.