Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Hydrangea arborescens 'Pinkerella'
Pinkerella Smooth Hydrangea
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Height
- 3 to 5 feet
- Width
- 3 to 5 feet
- Flower color
- Bright pink blooms that maintain color throughout the season
- Foliage color
- Dark green, with a crinkled texture
- Bloom time
- Mid summer to early fall
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; pruning after flowering can encourage healthy growth
- Growing zone
- Hardy in zones 3 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
About this plant
Hydrangea arborescens 'Pinkerella' is a deciduous shrub admired for its large, rounded clusters of soft pink flowers. Blooming from early summer into fall, the mophead blooms add a lush and elegant touch to garden spaces. The flowers often transition through subtle shades of pink as they mature, creating a dynamic and ever-changing display that contrasts beautifully with the fresh green foliage.
A relatively new cultivar, 'Pinkerella' builds on the classic charm of Hydrangea arborescens varieties, offering reliable flowering and a long blooming season. Its vibrant, full blooms make it an excellent choice for borders, mixed plantings, or as a feature in ornamental gardens. This cultivar's development highlights the ongoing effort to enhance the beauty and versatility of this beloved species.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cut Flower Gardens · Cottage Gardens
Companion plants
Pieris · Japanese forest grass · Brunnera · Viburnum · Trillium · Lungwort
Design tip
‘Pinkerella’ offers a long progression of pink tones as its flowers mature. Let the changing bloom color provide the seasonal variation, while its rounded flower heads establish a consistent shape and rhythm throughout the summer border.
