Hydrangea paniculata Dentelle De Gorron

With the abundance and lightness of its large white panicles tinged with green, turning creamy white, Hydrangea paniculata Dentelle de Gorron is an early-flowering French novelty. From the end of June, it transforms into a large bush covered in feathery lace. Its ramified vegetation, rounded habit and moderate growth are additional assets for planting at the back of a bed in a sunny or semi-shaded hedge.

Hydrangea paniculata is a particularly hardy species belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, originally from China and Japan. The 'Dentelle de Gorron' variety, from which it is derived, displays the habit of a large rounded bush, quickly reaching 2 m (6 ft 7 in) to 2.5 m (8 ft) in height and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in width, which remains moderate for a paniculate hydrangea. From the end of June, large conical panicles blossom on the year's wood; these are quite loose and measure 30 to 35 cm (11.8 to 13.8 in) in height. They bring together numerous single sterile florets, carried by long pedicels, which transition from a light green shade to cream-white. This inflorescence, where a few tiny sterile florets mingle, bends with elegance, giving off a great impression of lightness. 'Dentelle de Gorron' features ramified vegetation and strong branches covered with dark green, ovate leaves, which turn yellow in autumn before disappearing in winter.

Hydrangea paniculata distinguishes itself from its cousin, Hydrangea macrophylla, by its good tolerance to sun, sea spray and relative drought. Installed in any good garden soil without too much limestone, Hydrangea paniculata 'Dentelle de Gorron' shows rapid growth. It is a very hardy variety, to be planted alone, in a hedge or in a bed, or in light undergrowth, mixed with other hydrangeas to play with contrasts and forms. You can also combine it with grasses like Miscanthus, Panicum virgatum Squaw and Stipa.