Hydrangea Pinky Winky

PINKY WINKY®……….Hydrangea paniculata 'DVP PINKY' PP#16,166; CBR#2889

Common Name: Panicle Hydrangea

Huge bi-colored blooms! Pinky Winky® panicle hydrangea has a distinctive name, and an even more distinctive flower. The large white panicles open in mid to late summer, and as summer becomes fall, the florets at the base of the panicles take on a clear, true pink. The flower panicles continue to grow, producing new white florets at the tip. The result is spectacular two-toned flower panicles that can reach up to 16 inches in length! They are held up on some of the strongest, thickest stems you'll ever see on a panicle hydrangea.

Soil Adaptable to most any soil except very wet or excessively alkaline soils.

Pruning In late winter or early spring, cut back by about one-third its total height, just above a set of large buds. This ensures that the growth for the season will come vigorous buds lower on the plant and also serves to remove any remaining dried blooms. Alternatively, cut back in autumn once the plant has gone completely dormant. May be cut back harder if desired, though this tends to produce stems that are unable to achieve maximum stem strength the following season.

Uses Specimen; mixed borders; mass plantings. Makes a good hedge or screen. Excellent for cut flowers, both fresh and dried.

Growing Tips Panicle hydrangeas are the most sun tolerant hydrangeas and are also resistant to wilting. In cooler climates, full sun is recommended for best stem strength and flower set. Flower color is unaffected by soil chemistry. If flowers turn brown and dry instead of aging to pink or red, this indicates that the plant needs more water or that nighttime temperatures are too high for the transition to occur.

Awards: 2008 Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, ASCFG Woody Cut Flower of the Year

USDA Zone 3 – 8 (-40°F/-40°C)

Exposure Full sun, Part sun

Height 6 – 8'

Width 6 – 8'

Finish Time 1 season

Type Deciduous

Bloom Time Summer

Flower Color: White, Pink

Foliage Color: Green