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We are glad to welcome the Penny Mac Hydrangea as the first of our selections to the Bloom ’N Again® Collection, Hydrangeas Series. Penny Mac Hydrangea is a great plant that has the superior ability to bloom on both old and new wood. It is known for quantity of blooms, fast growth rate, and disease resistance.
It was first introduced by Mrs. Penny McHenry of Atlanta, Georgia, founder of the American Hydrangea Society and famous in Atlanta gardening circles. She received the original plant as a gift in 1975 and in 2000 gave specimens to Dr. Michael A. Dirr at the University of Georgia, Dept. of Horticulture. Through Dirr’s research, it was found to be an exciting cultivar for the home or landscape gardener.
Look for more selections of exciting, repeat blooming hydrangeas in next year’s release!
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Penny Mac Hydrangea
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Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’
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A superior plant that will flower in the coldest zones because of its ability to produce flowers on new growth. Flowers are abundant and make beautiful dried flowers. Best placed in borders, groupings and masses. Ideally, prune after flowering. Provide well-drained acidic, moisture-retentive soil and organic mulch.
Plant in partial shade. Generally cold hardy from -20° to -10° F, USDA Hardiness Zones 5 - 9. Grows 3-5’T x 3-5’W. Space 3-6’ apart. Depending on soil, produces pink (alkaline soil) or blue (acid soil), mophead flowers.
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Planting Directions
- Plant in partial shade.
- Dig a planting hole twice as large as the root ball.
- Remove the plant from the container and untangle the roots just inside the container.
- Level top of root ball with the ground.
- Backfill around plant with amended soil including organic matter.
- Gently pack the soil and then water well to remove air pockets.
- Mulch around the plant to enable greater moisture retention in the soil, making sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the stem.
Color of the Blooms
Determining what color your hydrangea macrophylla will be is based on the pH of your soil. A low pH (acidic, levels 4-5.5) means that aluminum is readily available in the soil and your flowers will tend to be blue. A high pH (alkaline, levels 6-6.5) indicates less aluminum in the soil and will give a pink color to the blooms. In the growing mix used by most nurseries, the flowers will be pink because aluminum is not present in the medium.
To blue your hydrangea macrophylla, add aluminum sulfate (peat, pine needles, or soil sulfur). To have a pinker flower, add agricultural limestone, superphosphate or dolomite lime. Consult your preferred Garden Center for their recommendation about rates and products to use for your specific area and be sure to follow the product directions as specified. Changing the color of the blooms can be tricky and variables in the pH of your water source can also affect the color of the flower.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilize in spring with slow-release fertilizer according to your Garden Center’s recommendation.
Pruning Guide
Penny Mac Hydrangea has the superior quality of blooming on new and old wood. So blooms will form on the wood from last seasons’ growth as well as new growth during the year. Ideally, prune after flowering. Pruning will encourage new growth and new blooms.
Always check with your local Garden Center for specific recommendations for your area.
Research information
For more information about Dr. Michael A. Dirr’s Research with Hydrangea macrophylla, please visit the following website:
http://www.nobleplants.com/introductions/hydrangePennyMac.htm
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