Quick Fire® Panicle Hydrangea Tree

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Give this tree at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to ensure strong stems and abundant flowers. In hotter climates, a spot with some afternoon shade helps protect the foliage from scorching.
• Soil: Plant in soil that drains well but holds some moisture, rich in organic matter like compost. If you are dealing with heavy clay, amend the soil with pine bark or compost to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water.

Watering Requirements

During the first season, water deeply two to three times a week to help the root system anchor into the surrounding soil. Once established, this tree is moderately drought tolerant, though consistent moisture during the heat of summer prevents wilting and keeps the blooms vibrant.

Pruning Tips

Because Quick Fire® blooms on new wood, you should prune in late winter or very early spring before new leaves appear. Trim the canopy back by about one-third to maintain a rounded shape and remove any small suckers growing from the base of the trunk to keep the clean tree form.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs in early spring just as new green growth begins to push. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer, as high nitrogen late in the season encourages soft growth that can be damaged by winter frost.