Quick Fire Fab®
Size
5-6' tall + wide | 1.5-1.8m tall + wide
Cold/heat tolerance
Hardy down to USDA zone 3; heat tolerant through USDA zone 8b
Soil
Any well-drained soil will do - as long as the soil doesn't stay wet for long periods, Quick Fire Fab® hydrangea will grow happily.
Bloom time
Quick Fire Fab® hydrangea is the earliest blooming H. paniculata. The flowers start creamy green and quickly develop to watermelon pink. Its long bloom period means you'll enjoy colorful flowers for 3+ months every year.
How to use
Quick Fire Fab® hydrangea can be grown as a flowering hedge, eye-catching specimen, or as the backdrop to a perennial or vegetable garden. It does well in large containers, and makes an outstanding cut flower, both fresh and dried.
Light
Plant in full or part sun in cooler climates. In warm areas, plant with some morning sun and shade during the hottest part of the day.
Fertilizer
Easy-care panicle hydrangeas don't need much fertilizer - one application of a granular rose fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.
Pruning
Pruning panicle hydrangeas like Quick Fire Fab® hydrangea is easy: just cut each stem back by about one-third its total height in late winter or early spring, and remove any thin, spindly branches. This builds a strong base while encouraging lots of new growth for dozens of fabulous flowers.
When to plant
Quick Fire Fab® hydrangea can be planted spring through fall. In cooler climates, you may even plant it in summer, provided you'll be around to monitor watering needs. In hot climates, early spring or fall planting is recommended.