The problem is, I really want more of a clear pink than a red, but it's hard to tell from pictures. How pink is Quickfire? And does it turn to an old lady dusty pink at any time? (My hubby pointed it out on some PGs around us - I thought they were pretty but didn't like it).

Also - does Ph affect the color? I think we have acidic soil (will be getting a soil test as soon as I can get through the snow...)

Also, any other things I should know about Quickfire? They would be put in half sun/half shade.

Thanks!

And you do know that all paniculatas start out with white or greenish white flowers? They only develop coloring as the flowers age - it has nothing to do with soil conditions or pH. QF's claim to fame is that it blooms somewhat earlier than most other paniculatas and so develops it's 'mature' color earlier. I'd call it a reddish-pink that fades to a more terra cotta color with time, but how one perceives color is pretty subjective. I wouldn't necessarily label these as a "clear" pink nor would I consider them red. Closer to something in between:-) Think about the coloring of Sedum 'Autumn Joy' over the course of the season and you'll get close to the coloring of QF.

My paniculatas are in full sun all day. They are slower growing for me...but are supposed to be fast growing.

One of my favorite shrubs since it offers such a range of colors througout the season...some have reported good fall color. Mine was a muted burgandy, some leaves where yellow.