Torch Hardy Hydrangea

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Torch Hardy Hydrangea, also called ‘Early Harry’, is one of the earliest blooming panicle hydrangeas on the market. Its creamy white blossoms turn rosy pink during the blooming season, which is impressively long from late spring until fall. The flower clusters are cone-shaped with mostly small fertile flowers mixed with a few large sterile flowers. The dark green leaves are finely toothed and make a lush backdrop for the flowers.The stems are tinged red, providing interest in the winter months. 

This is a multi-stemmed, upright dwarf shrub with a tidy shape. It grows to 4 - 5 feet tall and wide in a mounded form. As its name suggests, Torch Hardy is extremely cold resistant down to zone 3. It has no serious pests or diseases to control. Use these shrubs in a dense privacy screen, in a mixed-shrub border, or as an accent shrub. It attracts butterflies and bees. 

Torch Hardy Hydrangea Care

Panicle hydrangeas grow easily in full sun to part shade, although protection from afternoon sun is needed in hot climates. Like most hydrangeas, Torch Hardy prefers well-drained acidic soils, with plenty of organic matter. Water it regularly in the summer months to establish a deep root system. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant, making sure the mulch is not touching any part of the trunk. Feed this shrub with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, before new growth starts. 

Prune this hydrangea back by one-third in early spring. Remove damaged and dead stems, spent flowers, and up to one-third of older stems.  The thinning will help rejuvenate the shrub for the new growing season. 

Torch Hardy Hydrangea Spacing

Space Torch Hardy hydrangeas 4 feet apart, center on center, to create a dense hedge. If more space between plants is desired, provide this shrub with at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides.