Hydrangea paniculata Framboisine

Hydrangea paniculata 'Framboisine' ('Rensam') is a very recent variety of paniculate hydrangea that stands out for its not only early but also remarkably colourful flowering and its small growth, perfectly suited to large pot cultivation, which make it very useful for small space planning. This low but very bushy shrub is appealing for the beautiful changing colour of its flowers, made up of very cute conical panicles. They bloom in early July in white, then gradually turn shades of pink to bright raspberry-red until September-October. In the garden, this elegant shrub can easily be pictured near a window or leaning against a porch, for example. On the terrace or balcony, pair it with a small clematis or even bamboo.

Hydrangea paniculata, also known as Paniculate Hydrangea, is a species belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family native to the leafy forests of China and Japan. This mountain shrub is particularly hardy and tolerates sun and even spray better than Hydrangea macrophylla. It is a species that is quite accommodating with regard to soil, fearing only overly heavy, calcareous or dry soils.

The 'Framboisine' variety, recently obtained in France by Jean Renault, shows 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 m (3 ft 4 in) in height for 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in width. It is a plant with fairly rapid growth. In early July, numerous conical and tightly packed panicles unfold on the year's shoots, measuring 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in) long. They contain numerous fertile, single florets, evolving from a white shade to pink then bright raspberry-pink in autumn, when planted in a sunny exposure. This inflorescence, where a few tiny and fluffy sterile florets are mixed together, barely bends the youngest shoots. 'Framboisine' has well-ramified vegetation and very dark coloured slender branches. They bear ovate leaves of a rather dark green colour, measuring 5 to 15 cm (2 to 5.9 in) long and 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.8 in) wide, which are finely dentate at the edge. They turn yellow in autumn before disappearing in winter. Paniculate hydrangeas are less sensitive to late frosts as they usually flower on the year's shoots.

Installed in any good garden soil without too much limestone, Hydrangea paniculata 'Framboisine' shows fast growth without taking up too much space in a small garden. This is a particularly compact and colourful variety which can be planted 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 pair it with grasses such as Miscanthus, Panicum virgatum Squaw and Stipa. Its small stature also allows it to be grown without any difficulty in a large pot on the terrace where it will live for many years, provided some fertiliser is added and it is regularly watered.