Hydrangea paniculata 'Magical Candle' is a beautiful flowering shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. It is commonly known as the panicle hydrangea due to its large, showy flower clusters or panicles that emerge in summer. 'Magical Candle' is a cultivar of the Hydrangea paniculata species and is highly sought after for its unique characteristics. This hydrangea variety is renowned for its stunning display of cone-shaped flower clusters that start off as creamy white and gradually transform into a delicate shade of pink as they age. One of the most fascinating features of 'Magical Candle' is its long-lasting blooms. The flower panicles remain on the shrub well into autumn, adding interest and beauty to the garden for an extended period.
Fun in the Sun: Best Hydrangeas to Grow in Full Sun
Most hydrangeas prefer only morning sun. Yet one type of hydrangea can soak up the sun all day: the panicle hydrangea. While they can stand the sun, these do just fine in partial shade, too. Plus, panicle hydrangeas are the hardiest hydrangeas. To learn more about hydrangeas visit our total guide to growing hydrangeas.
Here are the best hydrangea varieties to grow in full sun.
Pinky Winky Hydrangea – As fun to say as it is to look it. The Pinky Winky is everything ombre was meant to be. Its two-tone flowers come back every year and thrive in urban gardens.
Hydrangea Type: Panicle
Shrub Type: Deciduous
Light: Full-part sun
Size: 6-10’ H x 6-8’ W
Zone: 3-8
Blooms: Mid-summer-first frost. 12-15” blooms that open white then transform into a hot, irresistible pink
Features:
- Fast growing
- Blooms every year
- No drooping blooms
- Can be a hedge or small tree
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Will grow in nearly any soil
Limelight Hydrangea – As refreshing as a lime in summertime! This cool-colored hydrangea is super unique and performs reliably year after year. The Limelight is not picky about much. And, there’s any even cuter, dwarf Limelight!
Hydrangea Type: Panicle
Shrub Type: Deciduous
Light: Full-part sun
Size: 6-8’ H x 6-8’ W
Zone: 3-8
Blooms: Mid-summer-fall. Refreshing, cool chartreuse blooms that fade to pink then beige
Features:
- Heat tolerant
- Can be a hedge or small tree
- Grows in containers
- No drooping blooms
- Deep-red fall foliage
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Will grow in nearly any soil.
Quick Fire Hydrangea – A super-fast grower with sizzling blooms! This hydrangea blooms a full month before other hydrangeas. Then it re-blooms in late fall. Quick Fire, or its dwarf sibling, love to bask in the sun!
Hydrangea Type: Panicle
Shrub Type: Deciduous
Light: Full-part sun
Size: 6-8’ H x 6-8’ W
Zone: 3-8
Blooms: Mid-summer-early fall. Blooms open white then turn a sweet salmon color
Features:
- Drought tolerant
- Repeat bloomer
- Can be a hedge
- Works in container gardens
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Will grow in nearly any soil.
Now start growing! Want more? Find out which hydrangeas bloom all summer. Learn about the best hydrangeas for beginners. Find out even more about hydrangea care in our Ultimate Hydrangea Guide!
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The Best Panicle Hydrangeas
The flower panicles remain on the shrub well into autumn, adding interest and beauty to the garden for an extended period. The individual flowers are small and densely packed together, creating a full and voluminous appearance. The plant itself has an upright and compact habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens and container cultivation.
Find out which panicle varieties are so amazing you’ll never want to plant a bigleaf type again
There is no denying the wow factor of the panicle hydrangea, especially when it’s in bloom. The flower trusses are in-your-face big, averaging 6 to 8 inches long, but they can be much bigger. Even better is that the robust blooms sit atop stout branches during the dog days of summer, when other shrubs have finished their show. Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8) is a great old-fashioned shrub. I clearly remember having to duck under a huge canopy of blooms while delivering newspapers as a boy. I’ve seen a countless number of different panicle hydrangeas since my paper-route years—a testament to their reliability and popularity.
Panicle hydrangea is undergoing a renaissance of sorts, with a plethora of fresh cultivars making this vintage shrub relevant again. The influx of new cultivars in the 1990s, as well as the obvious similarity among some cultivars, fueled my interest in beginning a plant trial in 1999. Let’s be honest: Comparing the flowers can be like staring at a Magic Eye stereogram and waiting for the hidden image to appear. How distinct are the plants, really? Are the new cultivars improvements over the old ones or just more of the same? I knew that, by planting the cultivars side by side, their similarities and differences would become clear—and, boy, did they ever.
It typically grows to a height and spread of around 4-6 feet, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. In terms of care, 'Magical Candle' is a relatively low-maintenance shrub. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a location with full sun or partial shade. Regular watering is essential, especially during hot and dry periods, to ensure the health and vitality of the plant. Pruning is generally done in late winter or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage vigorous growth. This particular cultivar is popular among gardeners and landscapers due to its exceptional flower display and easy cultivation. It can be used as a focal point in mixed borders, as a hedge, or even as a standalone specimen plant. The long-lasting and color-changing blooms of 'Magical Candle' make it an excellent choice for adding visual interest and beauty to any landscape. Overall, Hydrangea paniculata 'Magical Candle' is a stunning and versatile flowering shrub that deserves a place in any garden. Its unique cone-shaped flower clusters, extended blooming period, and compact growth habit make it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, this hydrangea variety is sure to add a touch of magic and charm to your outdoor space..
Reviews for "Hydrangea paniculata magical candle for lasting beauty in your landscape"
- John - 2 stars - I bought the Hydrangea Paniculata Magical Candle expecting it to be a beautiful addition to my garden, but I was sorely disappointed. The plant did not grow well at all, and the flowers were much smaller than expected. Additionally, the color of the flowers was not as vibrant as shown in the pictures. I followed all the care instructions and provided the necessary sunlight and watering, but the plant just did not thrive. I would not recommend this particular variety of hydrangea.
- Sarah - 1 star - I had such high hopes for the Hydrangea Paniculata Magical Candle, but it turned out to be a huge letdown. The plant arrived in a very poor condition, with wilted leaves and weak stems. Despite my efforts to revive it, the plant never fully recovered and eventually died. I reached out to customer service for assistance, but they were unresponsive and unhelpful. This was a disappointing experience overall, and I would not purchase from this company again.
- Robert - 2 stars - The Hydrangea Paniculata Magical Candle did not meet my expectations. The plant arrived in a small pot with limited roots, which made transplanting difficult. It took a long time for the plant to establish and start growing. The flowers, although pretty, were not as abundant as I had hoped for. Furthermore, the plant seemed to struggle in hot weather, even with sufficient watering. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this variety of hydrangea and would not choose it again.