Hydrangea paniculata Magical Fire

The Hydrangea paniculata 'Magical Fire', known by its cultivar 'Bokraplume', is a variety of panicled hydrangea whose flowering is a fireworks display of intense colours. From July, the conical panicles bloom in pure white before evolving into a dark pinkish-red and then a deep crimson red by September. They also emit a slight fruity fragrance. This deciduous shrub with long-lasting flowering is planted in borders, as an isolated specimen, or in large pots on a terrace. It requires a sunny exposure to fully express the vibrancy of its colours.

The 'Magical Fire' variety has a dense and upright habit. The main branches are upright, while the secondary branches are slightly arched. At maturity, this variety does not exceed 1.60 m in height and 1.20 m in width, with a relatively rapid growth. In July, the shrub produces numerous conical panicles on the current year's branches, which are quite compact and 20-25 cm long. They consist primarily of fertile florets, single and transition from white to deep pink and dark crimson in autumn when exposed to sunlight. This inflorescence, which includes a few tiny fluffy sterile florets, barely bends the youngest branches. Magical® Fire has a well-branched habit and very dark-coloured branches. The branches bear ovate leaves that are fairly dark green, sometimes tinged with purple, 5 to 15 cm long and 5 to 7 cm wide, with finely dentate edges. They turn yellow in autumn before disappearing in winter. Panicled hydrangeas are less susceptible to late frosts, as they usually flower on the current year's growth.

Hydrangea paniculata prefers non-scorching sunlight and can tolerate some limestone in the soil. 'Magical Fire' has a fast growth rate without taking up too much space in a small garden. It is a colourful variety that can be planted as a standalone specimen, under a window, or against a porch. It is versatile and can also be used in a low hedge or at the edge of a woodland, mixed with other hydrangeas or perpetual roses. You can also combine it with ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus, Panicum virgatum Squaw, and Stipa to add lightness. It can be planted in borders as a backdrop for summer perennials such as daylilies and asters. It can also be grown in a large container on the terrace with regular fertilisation and watering.