Puffer Fish® Panicle Hydrangea

Puffer Fish® is the compact panicle hydrangea selection ‘NCHP1’ (USPP35316), developed by Dr. Tom Ranney at NC State. Its strong stems carry large, fluffy white flower clusters in summer; as they age, the flowers turn lime green and may produce fresh white florets at the tips. ## Form & Seasonal Interest This dense shrub reaches about 3–5 feet tall and wide, giving it a smaller footprint than many panicle hydrangeas. Use it in a border, group planting, hedge, or specimen spot; the flower clusters are also suitable for cutting and drying. Its changing white and green display continues from summer into fall. ## Growing Conditions Provide full to partial sun, with afternoon shade in hot summer areas. Fertile, well-drained soil and average moisture support flowering; water consistently as the plant establishes and during prolonged dry weather. Proven Winners lists USDA zones 3–9. ## Maintenance Puffer Fish blooms on new wood. Prune in late winter or early spring only if shaping or size control is needed, then apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring according to its label. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/puffer-fish-panicle-hydrangea-hydrangea-paniculata), [NC State Extension’s cultivar profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata-puffer-fish-nchp1/), and [NC State’s panicle hydrangea guide](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/)