The ‘Mini Penny’ Hydrangea is a popular cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea. This deciduous shrub features a rounded habit with vibrant green foliage, making it a versatile ornamental plant.
What Makes Mini Penny Hydrangea Unique
‘Mini Penny’ Hydrangea reblooms on both old and new wood, extending its flowering season from spring or early summer well into the fall. Its compact, dwarf habit typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, or containers.
Flower color is influenced by soil pH. In acidic soils, blooms tend to be blue, while alkaline conditions display pink or lilac hues. Gardeners can manipulate bloom color by adjusting soil conditions. The large, mophead flowers can measure up to 8 inches in diameter.
Planting Your Mini Penny Hydrangea
Selecting the right location is important for ‘Mini Penny’ Hydrangea. It thrives in partial shade, benefiting from protection from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. While it can tolerate full sun in northern zones, consistent soil moisture is necessary. The plant prefers well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter.
Before planting, ensure the soil is adequately prepared, especially if it is heavy clay or sandy, by incorporating compost to improve drainage and fertility. When planting in the ground, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball, ensuring the top is level with the surrounding soil. For container planting, choose a pot with drainage holes and use a quality potting mix, optionally adding perlite to enhance drainage. Soil pH adjustments to influence flower color should be initiated well in advance of the blooming season, typically in late autumn or early spring.
Ongoing Care for Mini Penny Hydrangea
Consistent watering is important for ‘Mini Penny’ Hydrangea, especially during dry periods, as it prefers evenly moist soil. Water at the plant’s base rather than overhead to prevent fungal issues and ensure moisture reaches the roots effectively. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one formulated for flowering shrubs. Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen formulas, as this can promote foliage growth at the expense of flower production. ‘Mini Penny’ requires minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring. Light shaping can be done immediately after the first flush of blooms, as heavy pruning removes developing flower buds. The plant resists mildew, contributing to its low maintenance.
Protecting Mini Penny Hydrangea in Winter
Protecting ‘Mini Penny’ Hydrangea during winter is beneficial in colder climates, especially in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and below. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base to insulate roots from freezing temperatures. This mulch can be shredded bark, compost, or straw.
For plants in Zone 5 or those exposed to harsh winter conditions, additional protection may be considered. Wrap the shrub with burlap or create a cage filled with leaves or straw to shield stems and dormant flower buds from extreme cold and desiccation. Container-grown ‘Mini Penny’ Hydrangeas require special attention; move them to a sheltered, unheated location like a garage or shed to prevent the root ball from freezing. While ‘Mini Penny’ blooms on new wood, protecting old wood can result in earlier, more abundant blooms next season.