Bobo^® Panicle Hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata

Bought 2 Bobos last fall and planted and prayed. They were small, but I went for the smaller ones to save money, and know they will grow, so that’s no problem. They were slow to come to life in spring, but now they are blooming and love them. Year 1 and I’m delighted. I’ve read they get bigger than advertised and that will work for me!

I have three of these. Two are in full sun and one is in partial sun. They’re all doing great, (on their third year). The only difference is that the one that receives less sun is about two weeks behind the others, but it blooms just as beautifully. I’m considering more for another garden I’m working on, I just love them.

I planted two of these in early spring. They were on drip getting plenty of water but really suffered through summer. I dug them up and found very little root system. I put them in a 3 gallon container of potting soil and am babying them just praying they’ll pull through. Not impressed with this particular variety so far.

After reading all the glowing reviews for this plant, I think I must be doing something wrong. I bought 3 of these hydrangeas about 5 years ago to put in a grouping. One is doing well, the second one is underwhelming, and the 3rd one is dying a slow death. I even lifted it and replanted it 2 years ago, but it hasn't made much of a difference. I have different hydrangeas all over my garden (incrediball, annabelle, limelight, quickfire, climbing hydrangea, endless summer, and a lace cap hydrangea). All my hydrangeas do well, except for the bobo's. I don't know if I just got a bad batch, with poor roots, or what else could be wrong, I expected a lovely, small hydrangea covered in blooms, but only the large one blooms. I had high hopes again this spring, but nothing has changed. I'm very disappointed, and would hesitate to replace these with the same variety.

I bought 3 of these from Home Depot 3 years ago because the description indicated you could place them in a sunny area. The first year only 1 bloomed so I added bonemeal to the soil around the plants as I read this will help them bloom. It worked, all 3 are blooming and absolutely beautiful. My only complaint is that they are much larger than 36”. I’m sure their growth has much to do with being placed in a sunnier area (they get about 4 hours of sun per day). Unfortunately, they’ve already outgrown the area where planted and will need to be transplanted this Fall. So, if you are planning to plant in a sunny area, be aware that they will probably get bigger than what the label indicates. Mine are 4.5 ft. tall and over 3 ft. wide and gorgeous.