Mega Mindy® Panicle Hydrangea

MEGA MINDY® is the trade name for Hydrangea paniculata ‘Ilvomindy’, a deciduous panicle hydrangea whose sturdy stems carry large, cone-shaped blooms. Flowers open white in summer and develop pink to red tones as they age; the display can continue into fall, and flower color is not changed by soil pH. [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/mega-mindy-39150) and the [Chicago Botanic Garden](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/hydrangea-paniculata-ilvomindy-panicle-hydrangea) describe the exact selection. ## Garden Use Plan for a shrub around 4.5–5.5 feet tall and wide; the Chicago Botanic Garden reports a broader 4–6-foot spread. Use it in borders, mass plantings, a hedge or screen, as a specimen, or for fresh and dried cutting. Spring Meadow identifies Dr. Johan Van Huylenbroeck as breeder and lists USDA zones 3–8. The plant patent publication is USPP23070P2, dated September 25, 2012. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil; the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/308702/hydrangea-paniculata-ilvomindy/details) lists clay, loam, and sand. Spring Meadow reports that flower color is not changed by soil chemistry. As a panicle hydrangea, it flowers on new growth and tolerates sunny conditions better than many other hydrangeas, according to [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/). ## Maintenance In late winter or early spring, cut stems back by about one-third just above a strong bud, following [Spring Meadow’s pruning guidance](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/mega-mindy-39150). Avoid very wet soils and water during extended dry spells.