skip to main content

Name That Plant!Shrubs Hydrangeas

Is this a Tardiva Hydrangea tree?

last year

last modified: last year

I bought a PG hydrangea tree on sale at a big box store. The description said white PG tree.

What I received was not a Grandiflora like I was expecting but rather a lacecap style with fiertile upright growth including the flowers. It did get a later start because of its shady location and the drought in July which is also a characteristic of Tardiva. The flowers are not all turning pink from the bottom up like Pink Diamond. Is there any way to tell for sure by the leaves and/or flower in the attached photo is a Tardiva?

Featured Answer

Jay 6a Chicago

last year

last modified: last year

The way I read it grandiflora is the Hydrangea known as Peegee, so yours can't be a Peegee if it's not 'grandiflora'? The straight species Hydrangea paniculata has white flowers that turn pink as they age or when affected by cooler temperatures. Tardiva is exactly the same, so I can't see any difference at all between the true species Hydrangea paniculata and Tardiva. I think it's just the industry's way of conning people into spending more money buying a new Hydrangea that they believe is different from the types they already have. I can't tell if it's Tardiva because there's no difference between it and the straight species Hydrangea paniculata. If someone can point out the difference I'd love to hear it. Now grandiflora is different and has a much fuller, heavier flower set, and Pink Diamond is also unique in the way the pink coloring starts at the bottom of the panical and works it's way up. A fitting name though Tardiva.😆

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

mainegard3
Original Author
last year
Thanks Jay! You make some very good points and the feedback is appreciated

They do have rhe marketing piece down for sure; i passed little hotiie the other day 🤣
Related Discussions
Lilac Trees - susceptible to breaking?
Q
Comments (2)
It's good to keep these renewing from the bottom anyway. Expect vigorous new growth from below the breaks, unless it is having a problem that it is causing it to decline.
...See More
tardiva tree?
Q
Comments (2)
Hydrangeas paniculata (your Tardiva is the one of the numerous cultivars) is a multistemmed shrub. Most of the 'trees' are shrubs that were pruned to be a single trunk trees. Therefore, if you'd like to keep it that way, you should trim any new growth that may occur below split where multiple branches starts. Yes, stem/trunk will grow taller, but you could keep it at any size you wish to by pruning top growth in late winter/early spring.
...See More
Tardiva hydrangea
Q
Comments (2)
You can prune off dead or dried out branches at any time. The browned out flowers can be deadheaded since after all, it is more important to develop a good root system on the first or first few years. Just do not fertilize it. Instead provide it with soil that is as evenly moist as you can (no periods of dryness, followed by moist soil, followed by dry again). If your temps are still quite high, consider keeping it in bright shade & planting in the ground once the temps go down...keep it well watered until then..
...See More
Training hydrangea panicukata Tardiva into multi-branched tree
Q
Comments (3)
Do you mean multi-trunked? How many? Looks like you're on the right track compared with the stock photo. Might want to get rid of the rightmost one. Here's another trick: if you want a single trunk use the furthest LEFT one and cut off the others. Then simply dig up the root ball and re-plant at the correct angle. Stake the trunk on both sides so it doesn't go out of plum and you're done!
...See More
Jay 6a Chicago
last year
Well I hate deceptive marketing of plants. I bought a bag of tiger lilies with a picture of Lilium lancifolium on the front and they were actually some boring, ugly orange Asiatic lilies.
mainegard3
Original Author
last year
Agreed
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
last year
if you want properly named cultivars.. then you know.. and i know.. and jay knows.. ..... you shouldnt be shopping at bigbox ...

and you really shouldnt blast the industry.. based on what big box does ...

if you want or need duplicates of what you already have.. then propagate them ... grow more for yourself ...

being a collector.. i wanted one of everything... so i never really had to shop for duplicates at another time.. i would be entirely thrilled at what is pictured above ...

and i was thoroughly pissed off.. when i found out there were a few hosta that had like 10 names.. and batturd vendors sold me all of them... one guy.. 4 of them.. and he was no longer my friend ...

ken
mainegard3 thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
Tim Wood
last year
If it blooms very late, most likely it's Tardiva.
mainegard3 thanked Tim Wood
djacob Z6a SE WI
last year
Were the white flowers lime green before turning white? Is there some pink color developing? It could be a Limelight, though mature ones tend to have fuller blooms. Mine is very fragrant and was covered with bees until the cool weather moved in recently.

debra
mainegard3 thanked djacob Z6a SE WI
mainegard3
Original Author
last year
Based on everyones feedback (thank you all) and observations im pretty sure its Tardiva. The flowers and overall shape i like but its not very impressive coloring up. @ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5 thanks for the propagate suggestion; i will attempt that next! You make a good point about the big box stores too. After many years im starting to realize you were right about letting shrubs/trees be and not to overdue this or that. They seem to do just fine without the babysitting…even better ;)
pennlake
last year
I think sometimes PeeGee, PG, is used as a generic common name for hydrangea paniculata. i thought Tardiva was chosen for its very late bloom time. Here in MN its about 6 weeks later than an early one like Quick Fire.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Oakleaf Hydrangea

By Becky Harris

Consider this full, flowering shrub for year-round beauty in the garden as you plan your fall plantings

GARDENING 101 When Should You Prune Your Trees and Shrubs?

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Pruning keeps plants healthy. Find out the best time to cut back flowering trees, needle-bearing shrubs and more

GARDENING GUIDES When Is the Right Time to Prune Your Hydrangeas?

By Marianne Lipanovich

The type of hydrangea you have determines when it’s time to trim

HOUZZ PRODUCT NEWS Landscape Pros Share 12 Favorite Trees for Containers

By Marianne Lipanovich

Experts share the trees and tree-like shrubs they use to create a lush garden look in a yard big or small

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 12 Trees Landscape Designers Love for Containers

By Marianne Lipanovich

Turn to these trees and tree-like shrubs to create a lush garden look in a yard big or small

FLOWERS Why You Should Give Hydrangeas a Place in Your Yard

By Laura Gaskill

The exuberant mop-headed beauties evoke dreams of an endless summer by the sea

TREES 10 Top Trees to Grow in Containers

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

These container-friendly trees make great specimens for pots on the patio or marking an entrance

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Patio of the Week: Mature Trees and Shade Drive the Design

By Becky Harris

An Illinois backyard gains an outdoor kitchen, dining area, pergola-covered lounge and meditative area

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 8 Trees Landscape Designers Love for Small Spaces

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Learn more about the top-performing trees to grow in tight corners, city courtyards, narrow side yards and more

SIDE YARD IDEAS Narrow Trees for Tight Garden Spaces

Boost interest in a side yard or another space-challenged area with the fragrance and color of these columnar trees

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

More Discussions

Tree with bark that is not only twisted but appears to be peeling?

12

Monster bush out back

11

What is this weed?

4

Yellow Forest Aster?

3

3-Leaflet Alfalfa?

2