Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Stoke a summer inferno with a hot pink number like Hydrangea 'Bonfire'. Even when the summer weather lets you down, you can rely on this brazen beauty to keep the colour toasty in the garden. Masses of conical, ever-changing blooms bring a warm glow to the season, opening from pale green buds, the petals are white with the palest hint of lime that intensifies through shades of soft pink to coral as the flowers mature. Finally, each flowerhead of Hydrangea paniculata 'Bonfire' reaches a smouldering climax of dusky red-pink with an alluring luminosity, creating a head-turning summer focal point. The sturdy stems hold their colour-shifting blooms above a cloak of fresh green foliage from July to September. Leave the faded flowerheads in place for an autumnal shabby-chic feel, followed by frosty architecture throughout the winter months.
This tough, deciduous shrub is supremely hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -30C once established. Supplied as a bare root, you can enjoy watching the low-maintenance Hydrangea 'Bonfire' develop over time, each year you will notice it is a little bigger until it reaches its full mature size. With a neat, rounded habit, it makes a showy and long-living feature for moist, well drained borders. Like other paniculata varieties, Hydrangea paniculata 'Bonfire' will enjoy a little sun but avoid the direct scorch of midday rays. Pruning is simple – just trim back the faded flower stems to a strong pair of buds each spring, after the worst frost have passed.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Hydrangea paniculata 'Bonfire'
- Flower colour
- Pink, coral
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- Established spread
- 70cm-1m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 3 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Fragrant
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Hydrangea 'Bonfire' reviews
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