Frequently Asked Questions
The original Quick Fire hydrangea is a lacecap hydrangea – that means it has a higher proportion of small, star-like fertile florets than showy, papery sterile florets. Quick Fire Fab, on the other hand, is a mophead, which means that the dazzling sterile florets far outnumber the small, less showy fertile florets. That means bigger, fuller flowers – and the same early bloom time as Quick Fire and Little Quick Fire!
Quick Fire Fab gets to be 6-8’ wide, so you’ll want to plant them with their centers 5-7’ apart, depending on how quickly you are willing to wait for them to fill in.
If you live in a mild zone 9, like Northern California, you can grow it well. In very hot zone 9 areas, like Florida or Texas, it probably won’t look its best, so we don’t recommend it.
Quick Fire Fab is a panicle hydrangea, so it blooms on new wood. That’s why it can be safely pruned in spring and still bloom that summer.
Pruning is not strictly necessary, but we do recommend it. By cutting back by about one-third its total height in late winter or early spring, you help to build a sturdy wood base while also encouraging lots of new growth for maximum blooms. If you skip a year here or there, it’s not a problem. If you prefer, you may prune it in autumn, once it has gone completely dormant, but we generally recommend leaving it intact over winter, as the dried flowers lend interest to the landscape and shelter for the birds.
No – like all panicle hydrangeas, Quick Fire Fab will lose its leaves in late autumn, even in mild climates.
No, like most panicle hydrangeas, it’s a very resilient, easy-care shrub that’s unbothered by pests. The only exception might be deer: they often eat all types of hydrangeas, and are especially fond of the flower buds. If you have deer in your yard, you should protect Quick Fire Fab with a repellent or netting.
No. The color of panicle hydrangea flowers is not impacted by soil chemistry.
Yes! Please do – it’s a great way to get even more enjoyment from your plant. They can also be dried for crafts and everlasting arrangements. Be aware that they will dry with whatever color they are when you cut them, so if you want colorful blooms, wait to cut until that develops in autumn.