Hydrangea paniculata 'WIM'S RED'

It is truly amazing how a combination of white and pink colour can still bring something new. Panical hydrangea is what I am talking about. These easy-to-grow flowering shrubs have been available in so many selections and cultivars that some might say 'well, how can you surprise us next?'. Wim's Red is one the varieties whose flowers turn deep red in autumn. It was bred by Wim A.N. Rutten from Belgian nursery Oprins Plants N.V. in 2004 as a cross between Pink Diamond and Dharuma. Patent PP26005 was granted in 2015.

Wim's Red panicle hydrangea makes extraordinary, large inflorescence composed of almost 50:50 fertile (small) and sterile (large) flowers already from mid June. They emerge pure snow white and soon gain pale pink shades, and turn almost completely rich pink by late summer, keeping only the top flowers white like the mountain tops covered with snow. In early autumn they change to even deeper shades of dark purple red.

Stems are rich red and deciduous, ovate leaves are deep green. Wim's Red hydrangea makes a rather substantial, about 1.7m tall and 1.5m wide shrub, yet keeping a compact and upright habit which makes it a great choice for informal, flowering hedges.

Panicle hydrangea will grow in almost any soil type, preferably humus-rich, moist soil that is not too heavy or shallow. Once established it does not need extra watering like big-leaf hydrangeas. Full sun is best but it will grow in shade, too. Feeding is much recommended to enhance flower size. We recommend regular pruning every spring before the buds begin to swell. By cutting at least two thirds of previous year’s growth you will get a strong shrub with large flowers and a regular shape. It is hardy to at least -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 29-09-2019