Do you know what this shrub is? - Ask Extension
I was told this was a native Oklahoma shrub. It was tiny for years until I removed a large shrub that shaded it. It is now huge (over 6’) and hearty...
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Do you know what this shrub is? #876417
Asked July 08, 2024, 6:31 PM EDT
I was told this was a native Oklahoma shrub. It was tiny for years until I removed a large shrub that shaded it. It is now huge (over 6’) and hearty. It gets full sun in dry soil and has somehow thrived even though I kill everything. It looks like a hydrangea to me but I’ve always killed those and we never water this plant. The Seek App doesn’t know what it is but guesses Dicot family.
We have to move and I want to plant one at the new house.
Thank you!
Oklahoma County Oklahoma
Expert Response
This is a panicle or peegee hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata, a common species that is very hardy and tolerates full sun better than most other hydrangeas. It is difficult to say which one, as there are many cultivars, but it could be Lime Light, which has chartreuse, lime green, flowers, Pee Gee, or Grandiflora, all of which are popular varieties.
Here is a good reference to the species if you would like to read more about it - https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/.
