Pinky Winky Hydrangea Guide: Care, Growth, and Blooming Tips

What is pinky winky hydrangea?

The Pinky Winky hydrangea is scientifically known as Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’. It stands out in the world of horticulture due to its unique two-toned flowers. This awesome shrub can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and wide. This showcase some large cone-shaped flower panicles that start off white in mid-summer and gradually turn pink which result in a combination of the two colors on a single panicle. This is a cold-hardy plant. The Pinky Winky hydrangea thrives in a large range of climate zones and has sturdy stems that keep the flowers upright, even after a heavy rain. The aplant’s adaptability to pruning makes it a gardener’s treasure, suitable for both small gardens and larger landscapes or patios.

History of pinky winky hydrangea

The Pinky Winky hydrangea is part of the larger Hydrangea paniculata species, and it originated in Asia, primarily in China, Korea, and Japan.

The Hydrangea paniculata has been a part of Asian gardens for centuries. This specific version , the ‘Pinky Winky’, is a more recent introduction to the world of ornamental horticulture.

Introduced in the early 21st century, ‘Pinky Winky’ was the result of breeders aiming to develop hydrangeas with distinctive bloom colors and robust growth habits. This particular type quickly grabbed the limelight with its two-toned flowers and sturdy stems. Since it was introduced, it has been a hit among gardeners and landscapers. It found a home in gardens around the globe. Not just a pretty face the Pinky Winky’s adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions and climates adds another feather in its cap, which ensures its popularity in various regions.

Where to find pinky winky hydrangea around the world?

Pinky Winky hydrangea, because of its captivating appearance and adaptability, it has found favor among garden enthusiasts and professionals globally. Here’s where one can typically find it:

Nurseries and Garden Centers: Many respected nurseries and garden centers across North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia store Pinky Winky hydrangea. It’s often a sought after plant, especially during planting seasons.
Public Gardens: Renowned botanical gardens, especially those in temperate regions, could showcase the this as part of their collection. Examples can include botanical gardens in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Online Retailers: With the rise of e-commerce many plants, including the Pinky Winky hydrangea, are available to buy from online plant retailers. These platforms often deliver to a large range of locations, and some also have worldwide shipping..
Horticultural Shows and Exhibitions: These events, which celebrate the beauty and diversity of plants, could feature Pinky Winky hydrangea, either as a display or for sale.
Private Gardens: Home gardeners around the world who have a predisposition for unique flowering plants might have this plant as part of their collection.
Landscaping Projects: Due to its visual appeal and hardy nature the Pinky Winky hydrangea often becomes a choice for landscape architects and designers, especially in public spaces or larger residential areas.

How to plant pinky winky hydrangea?

Planting thsi version of hydrangea just like planting its othe vaiants such as the quickfire hydrangea or the purple hydrangea, involves a series of steps to ensure it has a healthy growth and vibrant flowers. Here is a guide to plant this delightful shrub:

Selecting the Right Spot: Pinky Winky hydrangea will thrive in full sun to partial shade. Please make sure that the chosen spot receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. A location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade often is the best choice.
Soil Preparation: This hydrangea prefers well-draining soil. If the soil in the chosen spot is heavy or clayey, it’s a good idea to amend it with compost or organic matter to enhance its drainage capability.
Digging the Hole: The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and of the same depth or even deeper. This ensures the roots have ample room to spread and grow.
Removing the Plant from its Container: Gently take the Pinky Winky hydrangea out of its container. If the roots are tangled or tight or coiled, softly break them apart.
Planting: Place the hydrangea in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. Fill the hole halfway with soil and then water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Once the water drains you should fill the rest of the hole with soil.
Watering: After planting make sure to water the Pinky Winky hydrangea generously. This helps the soil settle around the roots and ensures the plant gets a good start.
Mulching: Spread a layer of cedar mulch or black mulch, about 2-3 inches thick, around the base of the plant. This will help to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and keep weeds at bay.
Fertilizing: While Pinky Winky hydrangea isn’t overly picky about fertilizers but applying a balanced and slow-release fertilizer in spring can give it a boost.
Pruning: Unlike some hydrangeas, the Pinky Winky flowers on new wood. So you should prune it in late winter or early spring encourages fresh growth and more blooms. Trim back by about a third of its height to maintain its shape.

Soil type and PH levels

The amazing Pinky Winky hydrangea is known for its adaptability as well as for optimal growth and flourishing blooms. Keep in mind that soil type and pH is essential. Here’s what works best for this hydrangea:

Soil Type:

Well-draining Soil: Pinky Winky hydrangea prefers soil that doesn’t hold onto water for too long, (something with great draineage). Standing water can lead to root rot, a common enemy of many plants. If your garden has heavy or clayey soil, improve its drainage by mixing in organic matter, compost, or coarse sand.
Organic Matter: Enriching the soil with organic matter not only improves its texture but also enhances its fertility. Organic matter will help to retain moisture while still promoting good drainage. This offers the best of both worlds for Pinky Winky hydrangea.

pH Level:

Neutral to Slightly Acidic: While it is more forgiving about soil pH than other hydrangea varieties, it should thrive in neutral to slightly acidic soils. A pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 is often ideal.
No Significant Color Change: Unlike bigleaf hydrangeas such as the Hydrangea macrophylla, which change flower color based on soil pH, this hybrid version, the Pinky Winky hydrangea’s flower color isn’t significantly influenced by soil acidity or alkalinity. Its flowers will sti have the two-toned appearance regardless of pH.

If uncertain about the soil’s pH, you could use a soil pH test kit or meter, which can be found at garden centers. If adjustments to the pH are needed, lime soiul can be added to raise the pH (make it more alkaline). While sulfur or organic matter like peat moss can lower the pH (make it more acidic). Before you make any significant changes, it’s always wise to start slow and test again to avoid overshooting the desired pH level which could burn the roots.

How long does pinky winky hydrangea take to grow?

Pinky Winky hydrangea, like other Hydrangea paniculata varieties, shows a moderate to fast growth rate if the ideal conditions are met. Here’s what to expect in terms of its growth:

First Year: When planted from a container, a Pinky Winky hydrangea will focus much of its energy on establishing an amazing root system in its new location. While you will see top growth and possibly some blooms, the most crucial development is happening underground so you won’t see much.
Subsequent Years: Once established, it can grow 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) or more in a season that means in both height and spread, depending on conditions.
Maturity: Pinky Winky hydrangea will reach the mature size of 6-8 feet (about 1.8-2.4 meters) in height and width within 3-5 years, again depending on the planting location, care, and environmental factors.

To promote healthy growth:

Make sure it receives sufficient sunlight, ideally 6 hours or more.
Water regularly, especially in its first year and during dry periods.
Mulch around the base to keep soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Consider an annual application of a level, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to support its growth.

Does it need pruning?

Yes, Pinky Winky hydrangea will benefit from pruning, but the good news is that it’s not a picky plant regarding thsi aspect. Pruning will help maintain its shape, encourage vigorous growth, and enhance new growth. Here’s what to know about pruning Pinky Winky hydrangea:

Best Time: Late winter to early spring just before new growth begins. This is the ideal time to prune Pinky Winky hydrangea because it blooms on new branches which means that the current year’s growth.
Shape and Size: Pruning can help maintain the hydrangea and control its size. While it’s not strictly necessary every year, cutting back the plant can guarantee a tidy appearance and promote fresh growth.
Dead or Damaged Stems: Regardless of the season, it’s always a good practice to remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems or branches. This not only keeps the plant looking its best but also helps prevent potential disease spread.
Technique: When pruning in late winter or early spring, you could cut back about one third of the plant’s height. Make your cuts just above a set of large buds. This will encourage the plant to produce strong, sturdy stems that support its large blooms.
Revitalizing Older Plants: If you have an older Pinky Winky hydrangea that seems less healthy or has become too large. You can rejuvenate it with a more severe pruning. This means that you can cut the plant back to about 30-60 cm above the ground to breathe new life into it. However, keep in mind that this approach might reduce blooms for that year.
Avoid Over-Pruning: While it is quite resistant, you should avoid excessive pruning in a single season, as this can stress the plant.

What is the blooming period for pinky winky hydrangea

Pinky Winky hydrangea has a relatively long blooming period compared to some other hydrangea varieties. Here’s a research of its blooming cycle:

Blooming Period:

Start: Pinky Winky hydrangea typically begins to bloom in mid to late summer but depending on your location, this can vary.
Duration: Once it starts, the blooming period extends into the fall, often until the first frost.

Flower Progression:

Throughout its blooming period, it showcases an evolving color display, which is a part of its charm:

Initially, the panicle-shaped flowers appear to be white.
As the season goes the base of each panicle starts to turn in a deep pink, while the tips remain white, giving it the distinctive two-toned appearance.
By fall, the entire panicle might take on a rich pink hue, which adds to the plant’s autumnal charm.

This extended blooming period, mixed with the dynamic color change, means that Pinky Winky hydrangea remains a focal point in the garden for a significant portion of the growing season.

Is pinky winky hydrangea perennial?

Yes, the Pinky Winky hydrangea is a perennial shrub. In the botanical world, “perennial” refers to plants that live for more than two years. It returns year after year after year, and showcases its awesome blooms from summer to fall. During the colder months, while the above ground parts of the plant might go dormant or die back, the root system remains alive and will produce new growth when the warmer seasons moves around again.

Pests and diseases for pinky winky hydrangea

While Pinky Winky hydrangea is relatively hardy and less prone to many common garden pests and diseases than some other plants or even some other versions of this plant, it isn’t entirely immune. Here’s a roundup of some potential pests and diseases that could affect Pinky Winky hydrangea:

Pests:

Aphids: These tiny, sap-sucking insects can colonize the bottoms of leaves. They can lead to yellow or distorted growth and might excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract sooty mold and can be icky.
Spider Mites: Tiny arachnids that also suck sap, which caouse stippling on leaves and potentially leading to leaf drop.
Japanese Beetles: These beetles can chew on the leaves, creating a lace-like appearance and destroying the plant.
Scale Insects: These are small, shield-shaped insects that cling to stems and leaves, and also feed on plant sap.

Diseases:

Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that presents as a white, powdery substance on the surface of leaves. It often occurs in conditions of high humidity and poor air circulation.Remember to plant it into a well air circulated area.
Leaf Spot: Various fungi can cause dark spots on hydrangea leaves. Good sanitation, such as removing fallen leaves, can help prevent its spread.
Rust: Caused by another fungus, rust can lead to orange or rust-colored pustules on the undersides of leaves.
Root Rot: Usually a result of overly wet or poorly draining soil. Root rot can damage the hydrangea’s roots and, if not addressed, couls potentially kill the plant. Make sure you inspect the mulch often.

Preventative Measures:

Proper Planting: Making sure good soil drainage can prevent many root-related diseases.
Good Air Circulation: Spacing plants adequately and pruning when necessary will promote air circulation. This will reduce the risk of many fungal diseases.
Regular Inspection: Check plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection often allows for more straightforward and effective management. You can spray it with a mix of water and vinegar to keep pests and fungae away.
Clean Up: Remove and dispose of diseased or infested plant parts to reduce the risk of spreading.
Avoid Overhead Watering: Water at the base of the plant, rather than overhead. This can minimize the risk of fungal diseases which can develop of the top of the soil.