Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Sunlight Partial shade
Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral
Mature Height 3 ft.
Maintenance Level Low maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information
Growth Rate

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.

Colorful Leaves Yes
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color White , Pink
Ornamental Berries N/A
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant Yes
Drought Tolerant No
Deer Resistant No
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction

Bees and butterflies are attracted to the nectar-rich summer blooms.


In fall and winter, birds may feed on the dry seed heads.

Self-pollinating Self-pollinating
Seasonality

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.

Ideal For

– Compact landscapes, foundation plantings, shaded borders, woodland edges, and decorative containers

Leaf Description

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.

Flower Description

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.

Pruning & Maintenance

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.

Water Needs

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.

Light Needs

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.

Harvesting

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.

Fertilizing

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.

Additional Care Tips N/A
Pollination

Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.


Self-fertile; produces decorative, papery seed heads in fall.

Companion Plants

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.

Flowering and Seasonality

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.

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.

Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

Click to enlarge