Dave, I saw a "pink diamond" on QVC, Cottage Farms the other night. It comes out whitish green but quickly turns the beautiful pink. Since I have quite a few plants I have ordered from Cottage Farms I am quite pleased with the quality. I have not found one that goes directly pink and stays pink, sorry. You might take a look on QVC and see what you think. It was relatively inexpensive but was getting limited night before last. If I run across anything I will post to you. Steffie

"Pink" is a pretty relative term when it comes to Hydrangea paniculata :-) There are no 'pink' flowering paniculatas - only those that gradually turn to pink as the flowers age. Some tend to produce a better pink tone than others and hold it longer but all will spend the majority of the bloom season with creamy white flowers.

If you want to put a positive spin on this, you'll get the benefit of a white hydrangea tree for the bulk of the summer months and a pale to deeper rosy pink hydrangea tree for late summer into fall :-)

Thanks gardengal48!

So, which variety seems to hold its pink the longest, then?

Pink Diamond
Pink Cloud
Pink Wave
Burgundy Lace

??

Thanks !

-= Dave =-

Quick Fire

Thanks, George :-) I've heard about 'Quick Fire' but haven't had the chance to see it in person. Do you grow it? Does it really take on the deeper hues the photos - always rather misleading - suggest? Also, I've not seen it offered in tree form.......at least locally.

Hi there. Well, I have about 13 types of paniculata. I haven't really noticed that any of them hold their pink longer than others. But they all do bloom at slightly different times. Some of them are a clearer pink than otherse, though. My Pink Diamond tends to have a little bit of green in it. I've posted this picture before, but Ruby aka Angel's Blush is my favorite - the brightest pink.

I can't comment on my Quick Fire since it was just planted last spring and didn't do much during it's first growing season - it seemed to be similar to Pink Diamond in color. I believe the name is in reference to it's earlier bloom time.

I have not grown the other three types you mention. Dirr's book has only a reference to Pink Cloud. There is also a new one I have on order called Pinky Winky - supposed to be an improvement on Pink Diamond.

Wow, silvergold, I like the photo! That's about the right shade of pink I'm looking for, I think. (Saw some photos of Quick Fire yesterday that seemed quite bold / a bit harsh. I'd like something softer, like this. Seems like it tends to be a bit purple too, which I can live with.

So, I guess I'll focus my search on "Angel's Blush" !!

Thanks!

-= Dave =-

I think I saw Ditas looking for one last year - I think they are pretty limited to Internet ordering unless you are really lucky.

I don't have Quick Fire in my own garden yet, but friend of mine bought one last year in a shrub form.

Indeed it turned pink rather fast, pure white stage lasted about 2 weeks only. Initial pink color wasn't more intense than on Pink Diamond, but due to earlier maturity it become crimson-burgundy already by the middle of August vs September for PD.
However, I reserve my final judgement for at least one more season due to possibility that this particular plant could have been induced into early bloom by grower, thus all this 'quick' things could not be natural.
In any event, I think it's too early for us to see many of a QF in a tree form since training to such form may take 4-5 years and this is a relatively new cultivar on a market.

Hi Silvergold - you seem to have the most beautiful collection of Paniculatas (in my zone) I'll have to follow you footsteps!!!

I haven't had success in finding Angel's Blush yet and will patiently wait a while more. I love your Pink Diamond and am very partial to the little hint of sagey-green with the pink. How tall and wide is she ... will she look good with Little Lamb ... will she do well in full midwest sun?

I have a nursery that can get me Angel's Blush ... I'm sure, for a price! They have several ES Bridal Blush now (#5 pot at $49 ... pricey and not a paniculata either).

Your thoughts & comments will be appreciated.

Hi ditas - Angel's Blush is my favorite, but Pink Diamond is nice too. I'm sure either would do well. I have several paniculata in full sun as well as bright shade. I think dirtdigger said he found his Angel's Blush from Nantucket Nursery - I saw a post just a minute ago.

Hi Silvergold - Thanks for your patience - I went searching after reading your post and ended up at the PWs site and saw pics to drool over! Do you have 'Quick Fire' in your collection - I seem to remember this beauty discussed in some of the threads I read through last season? Another beauty I think I have to have is 'Lime Light' if I decide against Quercifolia's (Vaughn's Lillie or Alice) overwintering requirements :-( !

I can't seem to open the pics you posted last season but no matter for the memory remains clearly ... you have another paniculata next to her - how far apart are they from each other. In the spot I have prepared I'd like to keep both LLamb and A'sB at 5-6ft if I could.

If you have QF, how do you compare to A'sB. Appreciate your response :-)!