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.
'Hercules'
giant hydrangea
Hydrangea 'Hercules' lives up to its name with towering, panicle-shaped blooms that command attention from summer right through to autumn. This giant panicled hydrangea produces flower heads up to 40cm across, starting as crisp white-green and gradually developing a delicate rosy blush as the season progresses. Hydrangea 'Hercules' has a robust, upright habit, growing to around 1.5–2 metres in height and spread, making it a show-stopping feature in borders, patios, or even as a focal point in larger gardens. Each bloom of Hydrangea 'Hercules' seems to defy gravity, adding drama and elegance in equal measure, while the soft blush tones bring a gentle warmth to the greenery.
Beyond its spectacular flowers, Hydrangea paniculata 'Hercules' is impressively hardy and low-maintenance. It thrives in sunny to semi-shaded spots with moist, well-drained soil, making it a reliable choice for UK gardens where structure and season-long interest are key. The sheer size and longevity of Hydrangea 'Hercules' flowers mean it pairs beautifully with contrasting foliage or other perennials, providing a lush backdrop for summer and autumn planting schemes. Whether you want a dramatic statement plant or a dependable garden star, Hydrangea 'Hercules' delivers towering elegance with minimal fuss, offering a bold, long-lasting spectacle that will be admired year after year.
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 'Hercules' ('Grhp14'ᴾᴮᴿ)
- Flower colour
- White, green, cream, pink
- Established height
- 1.2-2m
- Established spread
- 1.2-2m
- 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
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.