Little Hottie® Hydrangea

Let’s Grow

About Little Hottie® Panicle Hydrangea

Hydrangeas can be difficult to keep in hot climates, especially during the peak of summer. But Little Hottie® is a perfect solution for gardens in warm spots since these plants can definitely handle the heat! Even when temperatures climb, Little Hottie® will continue to bloom a non-stop show of big clusters of creamy white flowers from July to September.

As with other panicle hydrangeas, the flowers of Little Hottie® don’t change color based on soil pH. Instead, new flowers emerge in a brilliant, bright green color that quickly transitions into a warm milky white as the flowers mature. In autumn, Little Hottie® blooms develop a pale, pinkish hue that complements the plant’s dark green foliage beautifully.

Little Hottie® Panicle Hydrangea
Botanical Name	Hydrangea Paniculata 'Bailpanone'
Plant Hardiness	Zone 3-8
Mature Height	2'
Mature Width	2 to 3'
Sun Needs	Full Sun
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, PR

 

Little Hottie® flowers form on new growth, which means these plants are less likely to suffer from winter damage and they are also a breeze to prune. Mature plants grow to about 3 to 5’ in height, which makes them a perfect foundation plant to add to cottage garden beds, but they also grow beautifully in containers too!

Special features:

• Heat and sun tolerant
• Good for container growing
• Autumn color
• Perfect for cut flowers and dried floral displays
• Low maintenance needs

How to care for hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are low maintenance plants that can form a solid foundation in any garden design. Sow Little Hottie® hydrangeas on their own as specimen plants or group them together along garden walkways and fences. Just provide your plants with at least 3 to 5’ of growing space if you want to grow a few hydrangeas together in a single bed.

If you need more tips on how to take care of hydrangeas, follow along with the simple steps below to discover the ideal hydrangea growing conditions and much more!

When to plant hydrangeas

The best time to plant hydrangeas is when temperatures are cool and rain is on the forecast. Generally speaking, that means you should aim to get your hydrangeas in the ground either in early spring or early fall. However, if you lose track of time, you can still plant hydrangeas in summer, but they will need more frequent watering.

Where to plant hydrangeas

Hydrangeas grow best in full sun, but they can benefit from some afternoon shade in very hot locations. When choosing a spot for your hydrangeas, pick a well-draining area of your garden where your plants will receive at least 6 hours of bright light daily. If you have a soggy garden that doesn’t drain well, you may want to consider growing your Little Hottie® hydrangeas in pots instead.

Hydrangea care in pots

Little Hottie® hydrangeas can be kept in pots, provided that pots are well-draining and are at least 16 to 24” in diameter. Use a potting mix that’s suitable for container growing and bury your plant to the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot. One drawback of container growing is that plants will need to be watered more often, but other than that, your hydrangeas will need the same care as plants grown in inground beds.

How to plant hydrangeas in the ground

To plant Little Hottie® hydrangeas in your garden, dig a hole that is at least as deep as your plant’s root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide. Place the plant in the hole and then backfill the hole with soil. While it’s not necessary, you may want to amend the soil with a bit of compost to give your plant an extra bit of nutrients.

After planting, provide your hydrangeas with about 1” of water per week. Hydrangeas will also benefit from an application of fertilizer in early and late spring, which will encourage plants to produce more flowers. Avoid fertilizing hydrangeas later in the season as this can interfere with winter dormancy.

How big do hydrangeas get

Little Hottie® hydrangeas will grow to about 3 to 5’ in height. You can also keep your plants smaller with pruning, which is best performed in late winter to early spring.

History of Little Hottie® Panicle Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are native to Asia and North America and there over 75 different species of hydrangea today. Some hydrangea varieties are evergreen, but most are deciduous and are naturally found in temperate climates.

Hydrangeas were first brought to Europe from America in 1736 and their popularity has only spread since. Over the years, careful breeding by botanists and plant enthusiasts has resulted in the development of many different hydrangea cultivars, including tall and dwarf species and reblooming plants.

Little Hottie® is a relatively new cultivar that was developed by First Editions® for its heat tolerance.

Buying Little Hottie® Panicle Hydrangea at Cold Creek Nurseries

Fill your garden with showstopping clusters of creamy white flowers by ordering your own Little Hottie® hydrangeas today!  All our plants come from the original breeder and are carefully developed from stem cuttings to preserve the look and feel of the original plant.  When your Little Hottie® hydrangea arrives, plant it in your garden and enjoy brilliant blooms from summer to fall!