Pinky Winky Prime™ Hydrangea

No cottage garden is complete without at least one Hydrangea. Pinky Winky Prime™ has lovely panicle-shaped flower spikes that are incredibly long lasting on the shrub or cut for a flower arrangement. The flowers open creamy white and age to a deep rosy pink that is not altered by soil pH. The shape of this shrub is mounded and perfect for the back of a  shrub border or a corner of the yard that needs accentuating. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky Prime'™ has larger flowers than its predecessor Pinky Winky.

The large size of Pinky Winky Prime™ makes it an imposing presence in any garden and is an excellent backdrop for traditional cottage garden plants or more modern structural plants such as ornamental grasses and bamboo. Hydrangeas of all kinds are susceptible to deer browsing, especially while young and small. Protection with repellent sprays or physical barriers may be needed in areas with heavy deer populations. Rabbits generally do not bother mature Hydrangeas. 

Pinky Winky Prime™ Hydrangea Care

Panicle Hydrangeas are absolutely the best plant for new gardeners. The flowers are incredibly long lived, providing interest on the plant through the winter. This hydrangea is not picky about soil, as long as it is well draining year-round and retains moisture. The pH of the soil can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline without affecting the color or vigor of Pinky Winky Prime™ . A sunny location with at least 5 hours of direct sun will keep the foliage a lovely dark green and the flowers colorful. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are the easiest way to water large garden areas efficiently with little evaporation. Applying the water directly to the root zone keeps the foliage dry and less susceptible to mildew or fungal disease.  

The timing of pruning for Panicle Hydrangeas is very forgiving. These deciduous shrubs bloom on the current year's growth, with the buds forming late in the spring, so there is little danger of losing a flush of flowers to a late frost or a harsh winter. Hydrangea paniculata shrubs will need light pruning in early spring to remove any dead, dying, or diseased branches from the past season. Pruning branches back to a set of leaf buds will also keep new growth bushier and the overall shape dense. Cut out any of the older stems that are crossing other growth to lighten the structure of the shrub. Remove up to one-third of the shrub’s height to shorten the profile when needed. 

Pinky Winky Prime™ Hydrangea Spacing

The mature height and width of Pinky Winky Prime™ are an impressive 6-9 feet. Planting more than one of these shrubs can have a dramatic effect in a large garden. Space each plant 8 feet apart on the center.