Hydrangea paniculata Whitelight

Hydrangea paniculata Whitelight is a lovely variety of paniculate hydrangea. In summer, this compact bush is adorned with large, bulging and generous cone-shaped inflorescences, carried by sturdy and upright stems. The flowers are pure white shaded with jade green. This deciduous bush grows in any fertile and well-drained soil that is not too dry. It will make a sensation when planted alone, and will look spectacular when planted en masse. Place it in full sun or partial shade.

Hydrangea paniculata Whitelight belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, and its multitude of hydrangeas with varied colours and shapes. The paniculate hydrangeas come from the Far East, from Japan to southern China. In summer, they produce large, conical inflorescences (panicles) on straight or arched branches, often shaded with purple. In wild varieties, white fertile flowers (tiny and without petals) coexist with sterile flowers (with large petals, clearly visible). In horticultural varieties, it is mostly the sterile flowers that develop and bring a welcome generosity. They appreciate non-scorching sun or partial shade. These hydrangeas are rather accommodating. They are very hardy, and are satisfied with any good garden soil that is not too acidic or too chalky. It prefers well-drained soil, but can tolerate occasional drought once well-rooted. High temperatures sometimes cause their flowering to abort. Unlike Hydrangea macrophylla (the "true" hydrangea), H. paniculata flowers on one-year-old wood, which means they can be pruned even in spring without compromising the flowering of the year.

'Whitelight' is a compact and ramified variety, which will not exceed 1.8m (6ft) in height and 1.5m (5ft) in width, approximately. From June or July, it produces large slightly flattened cones on upright stems. The tops of these pure white cushion-like blooms are shaded in a beautiful jade green. They then gradually fade, like paper, remaining beautiful until autumn - or even later if the weather is mild. In the middle of autumn, the oval and thick leaves take on magnificent yellow-orange tones before falling.

Its compactness will be put to good use in small gardens, where it will be an exceptional focal point when planted alone. In larger areas, you can plant it en masse for a spectacular effect. It will also be perfect in a pot on a patio or large balcony, as long as you remember to water it from time to time. You can plant it with other varieties of white hydrangeas, such as 'Great Star Le Vasterival', with large sterile flowers, 'Bobo' (a dwarf variety), and H. macrophylla 'Endless Summer The Bride'. You can also choose colourful varieties like 'Fraise Melba', which starts off white and turns pink. Other bushes like Abelia grandiflora, Calycanthus Venus, or Deutzia 'Pride of Rochester' will accompany it wonderfully for a white garden.