Fire Light® Panicle Hydrangea

Fire Light® (‘SMHPFL’) is a full-size panicle hydrangea grown for large, full flower heads on sturdy stems. The blooms open creamy white and age to vivid red for summer color; Proven Winners lists a mature height and spread of 6–8 feet, USDA Zones 3–8, and part sun to full sun. This selection works as a hedge, specimen, mass planting, or fresh and dried cut flower. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/fire-light-panicle-hydrangea-hydrangea-paniculata) ## Placement Leave space for the mature spread and site it where the large panicles can be seen. The breeder advises afternoon shade in hotter areas and says the plant does not grow well in soggy soil. Panicle hydrangea is deciduous and blooms on new wood, so its summer flowers develop on the current season’s growth. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/fire-light-panicle-hydrangea-hydrangea-paniculata); [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/) ## Maintenance Prune in early spring before new shoots extend; Proven Winners suggests shortening branches by about one-third. Keep the soil well drained, water through establishment and dry spells, and mulch over the shallow root zone. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/fire-light-panicle-hydrangea-hydrangea-paniculata); [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/)