Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva

Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva' is a variety of large paniculate hydrangea, characterised by its late flowering. It produces its large inflorescences only in the middle of the summer, when its large white cones dominate its beautiful medium green foliage. It should preferably be placed at the back of a flower bed. Accommodating in terms of soil, not requiring heathland to grow, it is satisfied with a neutral or even slightly chalky soil, provided it does not dry out too much. Very hardy, it is the ideal hydrangea for beginners in the garden.

Hydrangea paniculata, also called Paniculate Hydrangea, is a species of hydrangea belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family originating from the leafy forests of China and Japan. Growing in these natural environments up to 2000 m (6561 ft) in altitude, it is particularly hardy. It is easy to grow in any good slightly damp garden soil, not requiring heathland to develop.

The 'Tardiva' variety obtained in the 1970s stands out among the H. Paniculata group due to its being among the latest to flower. At the end of July or in August, curious elongated inflorescences appear at the end of branches, composed of sterile flowers at the bottom and fertile flowers at the top. About 25 cm (9.8 in) long, they form beautiful white cones that stand out from afar on the mass of foliage from which they clearly protrude. This rather spectacular flowering lasts all the rest of the summer, even until October. An imposing shrub which can reach up to 3 m (9 ft 10 in) high under good conditions, it can form flower beds on its own in parks or border hedges for the summer season. Its deciduous foliage falls in autumn. If used in a flower bed, it should be placed in the background so that its medium green foliage highlights its light flowers.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva' is the ideal hydrangea for all gardeners frustrated at not being able to plant Hydrangea macrophylla, due to not having the right soil and climate. It will be appreciated for its long flowering period, which can even be further extended in the form of dried bouquets. In the garden, it can be planted alongside a wide range of shrubs. Its large size makes it suitable to be placed in the background, where it will constitute a perfect backdrop for bright spring flowers, like that of the wonderful Spiraea cinerea Grefsheim, or Dentate Spiraea, with its flexible branches covered with white flowers. Weigela florida 'Magical Rainbow', with its variegated yellow foliage, will also form a superb contrast in front of this 'Tardiva' Hydrangea.