Hydrangea paniculata Polar Bear

Hydrangea paniculata 'Polar Bear' is a variety of paniculate hydrangea with a compact habit, which can be grown in large containers. In addition to its dense and upright branches, this Hydrangea stands out for its exceptional flowering, consisting of oversized white inflorescences. Blooming throughout the summer, they turn pink over the weeks, adding to the romantic charm of this small Hydrangea. Particularly adaptable to different soil types, it does not require acidic soil to thrive and is one of the best Hydrangeas for beginners in the garden.

Hydrangea paniculata, also known as Mountain Hydrangea, is a species of Hydrangea belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to deciduous forests in China and Japan. It is fully hardy and can be easily grown in any well-draining garden soil with some moisture. In the past, only large-growing varieties were available, but breeders have worked extensively on this species to introduce numerous compact cultivars. In the 1970s, botanist Jelena de Belder introduced the variety 'Pink Diamond', which quickly gained popularity with its white flowers that change colour during flowering.
The variety 'Polar Bear' (named after its flower colour) is the result of a cross-breeding between two other varieties of Hydrangea paniculata: 'Limelight' and 'Grandiflora'. It is particularly spectacular due to the size of its inflorescences, which can reach 40cm (15.7in) in length! These large, more or less conical panicles start off with pure white colour and gradually turn pink throughout the season. The flowering period lasts several months, from July to October, making this compact Hydrangea one of the best summer-flowering shrubs. The flowers account for nearly a third of the total volume of this variety! This hydrangea tolerates partial shade but not full shade. It has excellent hardiness, down to -25°C, allowing it to be planted practically anywhere in Europe.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Polar Bear' is the ideal Hydrangea for gardeners who are unable to plant Hydrangea macrophylla due to unsuitable soil and climate conditions. This Hydrangea tolerates full sun, which is a definite advantage for this category of shrubs. Its compact size allows it to be grown in large containers on a terrace. In the garden, it can be paired with early-flowering shrubs, such as the charming Camellia 'Marshmallow' with its anemone-like pink flowers, and other spring-flowering plants (Spireas, Exochordas, etc.) to create a flower-filled border all year round. To create a purely summer scene, it is important to choose neighboring plants with impressive flowering displays, as they may be visually overshadowed by the blooms of our 'Polar Bear' Hydrangea. Crape Myrtles or Indian Lilacs are good candidates that can hold their own!