Puffer Fish Hydrangea is a compact, panicle hydrangea noted for its distinctive, rounded flower heads that resemble puffed pom-poms. Blooms emerge creamy white in early to midsummer, often aging to soft blush or light green as the season progresses. The shrub has sturdy, upright stems and medium-green, oval foliage that provides a clean, full appearance throughout the growing season, making it well suited to mixed borders and foundation plantings.
- Size: Height: 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m). Width: 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m). Habit: Upright, rounded, well-branched shrub
- Light: Full sun to part shade (best flowering with at least 6 hours of sun)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of soil types
- Water: Moderate; water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods
- Hardiness: Cold hardy (USDA Zone 3–8)
- Pruning: Blooms on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage vigorous flowering
- Maintenance: Low; remove spent blooms if desired and mulch to conserve moisture and protect root