Hydrangea paniculata Darts Little Dot

Hydrangea paniculata 'Dart's Little Dot' is a compact variety of paniculate hydrangea, ideal for growing in large pots and very useful for arranging small spaces. This low but very bushy shrub is charming with its light flowers in small conical panicles. They bloom in July in white and then gradually change to pink and reddish tones until September-October. In the garden, it is easy to imagine this elegant shrub installed under a window or leaning against a small staircase, for example.

Hydrangea paniculata, also called Paniculate Hydrangea, is a particularly hardy species belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to the leafy forests of China and Japan.

The 'Dart's Little Dot' variety, recently obtained in the USA, displays a dense and very compact habit. The main branches are erect, while the secondary ones are slightly arched. At maturity, this variety will not exceed 1.2 m (4 ft) in all directions, and shows fairly rapid growth. In July, it displays small conical panicles on the year's branches; these are are quite loose and very light in appearance, measuring 15-20 cm (5.9-7.9 in) in length. They mainly contain fertile, single florets which transition from a white hue to a more or less intense pink in autumn when placed in a sunny exposure. This inflorescence, where a few tiny and fluffy sterile florets mix, elegantly curves the youngest branches. 'Dart's Little Dot' has well-ramified vegetation, and branches covered with finely dentate, ovate leaves of a fairly light green colour, measuring 5 to 15 cm (2 to 5.9 in) in length and 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.8 in) in width. These turn yellow in autumn before disappearing in winter. Paniculate hydrangeas are less sensitive to late frosts as they generally flower on the shoots of the year.

Hydrangea paniculata differs from its cousin, Hydrangea macrophylla, by its good tolerance towards the sun, sea spray and relative drought. Installed in any good garden soil, without too much limestone, Hydrangea paniculata 'Dart's Little Dot' displays rapid growth. It is a very hardy variety, which can be installed alone, in a low hedge or in a bed, or in light undergrowth, mixed with other hydrangeas and perpetual roses to play with contrasts and shapes. You can also combine it with grasses such as Miscanthus, Panicum virgatum Squaw and Stipa. Its small stature allows it to be incorporated into a small garden and be grown without difficulty in a large pot on the terrace where it will live for many years with the addition of some fertiliser and regular watering.