About Hydrangea paniculata Siebold
Hydrangea paniculata Siebold is a deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching 1–5 meters (3.3–16.4 feet) in height and up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) in width. It naturally grows in sparse forests or thickets located in valleys or on mountain slopes. Its leaves are broadly oval, toothed, and measure 7–15 centimeters (3–6 inches) long. In late summer, it produces large conical panicles: these hold creamy white fertile flowers, mixed with pinkish-white sterile florets. Florets may open pale green, then fade to white as they age, creating an attractive two-tone effect. When grown in cultivation, this plant is pruned in spring to encourage larger flower heads. Numerous ornamental cultivars have been developed, and several have earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: 'Big Ben', 'Limelight' (PBR), 'Phantom', Pink Diamond = 'Interhydia', Pinky-Winky = 'Dvppinky' (PBR), and 'Silver Dollar'. Cultivars marked (PBR) are protected by plant breeders' rights, which prohibit unauthorised propagation. Another known cultivar is 'Praecox', which blooms particularly early. Hydrangea paniculata is sometimes smoked as an intoxicant, though this practice carries a risk of illness and/or death, because the plant contains cyanide in the form of cyanogenic glycosides.
