Sweet Summer™ Panicle Hydrangea

Sweet Summer™ is the shrub form of panicle hydrangea cultivar 'Bokrathirteen' (Plant Patent PP21,778), with sturdy upright stems carrying large conical flower heads. The panicles emerge green, open white, and develop pink tones from the base while fresh white florets continue at the tips, as shown by [Johnston’s shrub profile](https://www.johnstonplants.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-bokrathirteen-p-p-21-778-sweet-summer-hydrangea), the [Arbor Day Foundation](https://shop.arborday.org/nursery/sweet-summer-panicle-hydrangea), and the [plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP21778P2/en). ## Garden use and size This compact, oval shrub suits mixed borders or grouped backdrops. The Arbor Day Foundation lists mature height and spread at about 4–6 feet. Its white-to-pink flowers extend the display into late summer and fall, and the cultivar is also available in a trained tree form. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or part shade and rich, moist, well-drained soil. The Arbor Day profile lists USDA zones 4–9. Panicle hydrangeas flower on current-season growth; [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/) notes their greater tolerance for full sun than many hydrangeas and recommends mulch over their shallow roots. ## Maintenance If shaping is needed, prune in late winter or spring so new flowering shoots can develop. Keep the root zone mulched and water consistently while the plant establishes.