Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden

September Plant of the Month

Hydrangea paniculata 'Bokrathirteen' 

-Sweet Summer panicled hydrangea

by Adrienne Roethling,

Director

Hydrangea paniculata or panicle hydrangea hails from southern China and Japan and was first discovered in the mid 1800’s. The species can grow 8-15’ tall and larger when grown in ideal conditions.  Most panicle hydrangeas produce white, showy flowers from mid-summer to early fall that fade to an attractive red as they age. The most common variety of panicle hydrangea is the well-known Limelight, but dozens more have hit the market over the last several years.    

            Sweet Summer hydrangea or H. paniculata ‘Bokrathirteen’ comes from the Netherlands where it performed well from a batch of seedlings.  Expect plants to mature into a mounded shrub reaching 5’ tall and wide.  The large panicle flowers reach 5-8” long and begin in late July lasting well into September before taking on a red hue as they age.  Flowers make wonderful specimens to add to a dried floral arrangement.  Flowers re-merge on new wood, therefore, this hydrangea can handle a late winter pruning. H. paniculata ‘Bokrathirteen’ grows best in full to part sun with good winter drainage. 

           Join or renew your garden membership during September and your name will be included in a drawing for a complimentary Hydrangea paniculata 'Bokrathirteen'