Hydrangea paniculata 'SWEET SUMMER'

Sweet Summer is a compact cultivar that typically grows to 4-5' tall. Sweet Summer is noted for producing dense, broad-conical panicles (to 5" long) of mostly sterile flowers that emerge white in summer but change to light pink. Flowers at the base of the panicles change from white to pink while new white flowers are still emerging at the indeterminate panicle tips. Strong stiff stems hold the flower panicles upright with no drooping. The much smaller fertile flowers are hidden beneath the showier, sterile ones. Flower panicles may be cut for fresh arrangements or for drying, or may be left on the plant where they will persist well into winter. Ovate, serrate, green leaves (to 4” long) produce generally undistinguished, yellow to purple-tinged fall color.