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Growth Rate
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Moderate; reaches mature size of approximately 3 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide.
Compact, dense, and rounded habit suitable for small gardens and foundation plantings.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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No |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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Bees and butterflies are attracted to the nectar-rich summer blooms.
In fall and winter, birds may feed on the dry seed heads.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Bloom period: Early to mid-summer (June–July).
Foliage: Spring through fall; brilliant autumn display.
Winter: Attractive peeling bark provides additional interest after leaf drop.
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Ideal For
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– Compact landscapes, foundation plantings, shaded borders, woodland edges, and decorative containers |
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Leaf Description
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Large, deeply lobed, oak-like leaves that are rich green in spring and summer.
Outstanding fall color, turning vibrant shades of mahogany, wine-red, and bronze.
Deciduous foliage adds texture and bold structure to shaded plantings.
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Flower Description
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Compact, upright panicles of pure white florets (6–8 inches long) that mature to rose-pink as the season progresses.
Blooms are dense, long-lasting, and held upright above the foliage without flopping.
Excellent as cut or dried flowers.
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Planting Instructions
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Select a location with partial sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Loosen the surrounding soil and mix in compost or peat to enhance moisture retention.
Position the crown at soil level, backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch (pine bark or leaves) to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds—keep mulch away from the stems.
Space plants about 3–5 feet apart to allow mature spread and airflow.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Blooms on old wood, so prune immediately after flowering (mid-summer).
Remove spent flower heads and weak or damaged stems; avoid heavy pruning in fall or spring, which removes next year’s flower buds.
Minimal pruning required due to compact growth habit.
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Water Needs
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Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and bloom season.
Once established, moderately drought tolerant but benefits from deep weekly watering in hot or dry weather.
Ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot.
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Light Needs
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Thrives in partial sun to partial shade; tolerates full sun in cooler climates if soil remains consistently moist.
Too much shade may reduce flowering intensity.
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Harvesting
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Flowers may be cut fresh for arrangements or dried for long-lasting displays.
Produces small, dry seed heads in fall; ornamental but not edible.
Non-toxic to humans and pets if handled properly, though not intended for consumption.
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Fertilizing
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Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins.
Alternatively, use compost or leaf mold as a topdressing once per year.
Avoid over-fertilizing; excessive nutrients can lead to lush foliage with fewer blooms.
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Pollination
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Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
Self-fertile; produces decorative, papery seed heads in fall.
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Companion Plants
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Woodland shrubs: Fothergilla, Itea virginica (‘Little Henry’), and Azalea for complementary foliage and bloom timing.
Perennials: Heuchera, Tiarella, Hosta, and Ferns for lush texture in shaded beds.
Grasses: Carex or Hakonechloa to contrast the bold oak-shaped leaves.
Bulbs: Daffodils or Snowdrops for early spring color before the hydrangea leafs out.
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