Pee Gee Hydrangea 'Praecox'

The first of the panicle Hydrangeas to flower, this plant has impressive vigour, size and flowering prowess. The mounded cones of white florets crowd this quick growing shrub for many months. Hard to find and well worth a grow.

Grown naturally as a sport, the original plant is now 130 years old and still growing strong at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Seed was collected in Asia in the late 1800’s and planted on the grounds. C.S. Sargent, Arboretum Director described the plant in 1922 “When in flower in early July it is one of the handsomest shrubs in the Arboretum”.

The flower heads of Hydrangea paniculata ‘Praecox’ are tall, unlike the classic mop top Hydrangeas and consist of both fertile and infertile flowers. The flowers open from spring/summer depending on your climate and last into autumn. The flowers grow between 15 and 40cm tall. You will be able to enjoy a lovely range of colours as they open from green to white to cream then pinks as they mature.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Praecox’ has light, ageing to deep green, oval shaped leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It is quick to grow and establish, creating a lush mound of foliage. It will reach its full size in 5-10 years.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Praecox’ have good cold tolerance as they flower on new wood so are not bothered by late season frosts. The name, Praecox is from the Latin for very early or premature.

Hydrangeas grow best when planted in a sheltered position of the garden where the roots are cool and moist. If you add plenty of organic matter to the soil and you will be rewarded with masses of stunning blooms.

Hydrangea flowers are good for picking. To help make the flowers last longer, you could bring a bucket of water out with you to the garden, so you can plunge them in as soon as you have cut the stem. Once you are inside, cut them again and hold them in hot, boiled water for 30 seconds before arranging in a vase.