Growing zones
See Zone Map >Status: In stock
- Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Shade
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
6-8' x 6-8' 
Bloom Season:
Summer, Fall
- Attracts Bees
- Salt Tolerant
- Low Maintenance
- Long Blooming
- Attracts Butterflies
- Cut Flower
- Attracts Pollinators
Planting & Care for Quick Fire® Hydrangea Plants
Preparation
- These shrubs need damp soil high in organic matter.
- Improve poor soil areas by digging in plenty of well-decayed manure or compost a few months ahead of planting.
- Hydrangeas can be planted from March to November.
- Pick a spot that has dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade.
Make sure they are sheltered from frosty winds, which will damage blossoms.
Opening Plant Material
- Bare Root: Cut open the bundle (top and roots are tied) and separate all the plants. Soak roots in buckets of water until planted. Each plant type will be labeled separately for identification. Keep the roots from full sun since they should never dry out. Keep roots covered. All bare-root plants must be trimmed when planted.
- Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger water container until bubbling stops. Remove the plant, then dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container, ensuring it’s wider on the sides by an additional 6” or more.
Planting Containers
- Hydrangeas can be planted from March to November.
- Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or wider on the sides.
- Slide the plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
- With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
- Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
Place the root ball in the hole. - Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer. - Backfill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
Water frequently when newly planted. - Mulch plants with well-rotted organic matter after planting.
- See our link for “Planting & Handling Help” for a downloadable planting guide with illustrations.
Pruning - After Planting
- Containers: Although it’s not essential after planting, light pruning can help shape a Quick Fire® hydrangea. Doing so removes any broken branches from shipping or thins out a heavily branched plant to assist in the transplanting process and the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
- Hydrangeas can be pruned after the first spring bloom.
- There are several different types of hydrangeas, each with different pruning practices.
- Hydrangea macrophylla - Cut off spent flowers in spring and remove crowding shoots.
- Hydrangea paniculata - Prune stems to within two buds of the base in late March.
- Hydrangea petiolaris - Cut out unwanted shoots when flowers fade.
- Hydrangea villosa - Remove a third of older stems in spring.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the six-week establishment period, water once per week unless rain occurs.
- Remember to check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil around 3”.
Watering - Through-out the Season
- After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it’s dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
- Same as after planting, stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Upgrade your Landscaping with McKay Nursery
At McKay Nursery, our extensive experience in the horticulture industry spans more than a century. This allows us to provide a diverse and high-quality selection of plants, including the robust Quick Fire® hydrangea.
Located in Waterloo, Wisconsin, our nursery is dedicated to raising healthy, vibrant plants. By choosing McKay Nursery, you ensure access to top-tier plants, all can be backed by our comprehensive warranty.
Order your very own Quick Fire® hydrangea today! For additional assistance with your purchase, our team is available via email at [email protected] or by phone at 920-478-2121.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of the year to plant Quick Fire® hydrangea?
When and how should I prune Quick Fire® hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)?
Can Quick Fire® hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) tolerate cold weather?
What are the common problems when growing Quick Fire® Hydrangea?
Why is my Quick Fire® Hydrangea not blooming?
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.