Hydrangeas are some of the best-loved flowering shrubs grown in gardens and home landscapes.  Long-lasting blooms provide months of color from June to the frost of autumn.

Hydrangeas grow as vines, shrubs, or small trees.  They are often used as a foundation plant, specimen shrub in the landscape, or massed as a hedge.  Their flowers can be cut fresh and enjoyed or dried to enhance floral arrangements.

In the summer of 2003, a new variety of Hydrangea paniculata was created by Johan Van Huylenbroeck, at the Agriculture Research Center, in Melle, Belgium.  After two years of testing, one plant was selected for its compact growth habit, early flowering and numerous sterile flowers per panicle.  The new variety was given the trade name of “Bobo”.

Classified as a dwarf or miniature, with a garden height of 30 to 36 inches, “Bobo” is small enough to be used in containers where it takes its place as a “Thriller”.  “Bobo” has an abundance of white summer flowers that fade to pink in the fall.  Soil pH does not affect bloom color.

This new dwarf hydrangea was introduced to the American market by Proven Winners which is also responsible for introducing the popular “Limelight,” “Pinky Winky” and the “Let’s Dance” series of hydrangeas.

“Bobo” has a mounded habit, blooms on new wood and is hardy in Zone 4.  It is adaptable to many soil types, as long as they are well-drained, and requires part sun to full sun and moderate moisture.