The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for Penny Mac Hydrangeas

Are you a gardening enthusiast looking to add a beautiful and low-maintenance plant to your landscape? Look no further than the Penny Mac hydrangea! This bigleaf cultivar is a favorite among gardeners for its large clumps of flowers that bloom throughout the summer season. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to grow and care for your Penny Mac hydrangeas successfully.

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What is a Penny Mac Hydrangea?
Named in honor of Penny McHenry, the founder of the American Hydrangea Society, the Penny Mac hydrangea is a long-lived plant well-suited for partial shade conditions and moist soils. This hydrangea is a showstopper in any garden, with its pink flowers that can be coaxed into blue tones by adjusting the soil’s acidity. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the Penny Mac hydrangea is a great addition to any landscape.

Penny Mac Hydrangea Care Tips

To ensure that your Penny Mac hydrangeas thrive and bloom beautifully, here are some essential care tips to keep in mind:

Light

The Penny Mac hydrangea thrives in a partial shade environment, so be sure to plant it in an area with dappled shade.
Morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun, as intense sunlight can scorch the leaves and dry out the blooms.
Avoid too much direct sunlight, as it may damage the plant.

Soil

Penny Mac hydrangeas prefer rich, loamy, and well-draining soil. If you have clay soil, amend it with organic matter to improve drainage.
Soil pH can affect the color of the flowers, with alkaline soil producing pink flowers and acidic soil producing blue flowers.
Add appropriate amendments like lime, crushed eggshells, aluminum sulfate, coffee grounds, or pine needles to achieve the desired flower color.

Water

Hydrangeas like water, but be careful not to overwater, as it can lead to diseases.
Water your Penny Mac hydrangea at the base, rather than overhead, and apply mulch to help retain moisture.
Water regularly, especially during the establishment period after planting.

Temperature and Humidity

Extreme temperature or humidity can adversely affect your hydrangea, so monitor the plant closely during hot, dry weather.
Avoid watering during times of high humidity, and use mulch to help regulate moisture levels.
Keep an eye out for signs of mildew or bacterial diseases in humid conditions.

Fertilizer

Timing is key when it comes to fertilizing your Penny Mac hydrangea. Apply a fast-release fertilizer in spring and avoid overfeeding in the summer.
Dilute the fertilizer before applying it at the base of the shrub to avoid damaging the roots.
Follow the package directions for the best results.

Pruning

The Penny Mac hydrangea generally does not require extensive pruning. Prune in autumn or early spring after the flowers have gone dormant.
Be mindful of bud formation and avoid pruning below the top bud to maximize flower production.
Prune immediately after flowering to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Penny Mac vs. Endless Summer Hydrangeas

While Penny Mac and Endless Summer hydrangeas both bloom throughout the summer season, they differ in size and blooming time. Penny Mac hydrangeas can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, whereas Endless Summer shrubs reach a maximum of 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Additionally, Penny Mac flowers start appearing in June, while Endless Summer varieties like Bloomstruck begin flowering in July.

Propagating and Overwintering Penny Mac Hydrangeas

If you’re interested in propagating or overwintering your Penny Mac hydrangea, here are some tips to help you succeed:

Propagating

Propagate your Penny Mac hydrangea through division or cuttings from a mature plant.
Divide or plant cuttings in spring to allow the new plant to establish.
Wait until your hydrangea is at least three years old and has two good-sized canes before attempting to divide it.

Overwintering

While Penny Mac hydrangeas are hardy to USDA zone 5, they may require extra protection in harsh winter conditions.
Add a layer of lightweight mulch and water the roots if the winter is particularly dry.
Wrap the shrub loosely in burlap to shield it from wind exposure and ice formation on its branches.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Like other bigleaf hydrangeas, Penny Mac hydrangeas are susceptible to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids, leaf spot, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, and bud blight during the summer blooming season. Use appropriate treatments like insecticidal soap or spray to manage these issues and ensure the health of your plants.

Encouraging Blooms in your Penny Mac Hydrangeas

To get the most out of your Penny Mac hydrangea’s blooms, follow these tips to encourage healthy flower production:

Bloom Months

Penny Mac hydrangeas typically bloom between June and September and produce continuous flowers from new bud formation during this time.
Avoid pruning during the bloom season to ensure optimal flower production.

Encouraging More Blooms

If your hydrangea is not blooming as vigorously as desired, avoid overfertilizing and ensure it receives the right amount of sunlight.
Consider relocating the plant to a spot with better light conditions if necessary.

Addressing Non-Blooming Hydrangeas

In cases where your Penny Mac hydrangea fails to bloom for consecutive years, consider factors like late spring frosts or improper pruning.
Be patient and provide proper care to help the plant recover and bloom in future seasons.

With these care tips and guidelines, you can successfully grow and care for your Penny Mac hydrangeas to enjoy beautiful blooms throughout the summer season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this versatile and low-maintenance plant is sure to enhance your garden landscape. Happy gardening!