Paniculatas can start as early as some time in June and as laste as late July or even August. It depends on the weather, the variety and other factors. I have not noticed any one posting about Pee Gee yet so I advise just waiting. Last year's bloomage probably was affected by the nurseries applying whatever they had to in order to make them bloom early.

Here are a few general suggestions for the future:

* prune (only if you have to) after blooming or in the Fall (when the plant goes dormant, the leaves dry out and you can see where the various stems/branches are

* do not use fertilizer high in nitrogen

* keep lawn fertilizer away from the hydrangeas too (it is high in nitrogen)

* stop all fertilizers in July-August

* water during winter if it is dry and the ground does not freeze

* watch out for locals pests that like to eat the blooms (squirrels, deer, rabbits, etc)

Mine just started to form buds about a week ago, they're only about the length of fingernail at this point. It's most definitely going to be mid-August before the show starts.

Hi,
I just planted a 4' Pee Gee. I should have read this first, but used miracle grow garden soil with nitrogen. Will it survive and what shoud I do now?

From SpringHill nursery:
Reviewed By: Arlene (Chicago, Il)
My tree is about 12 years old & it is beautiful! When I'm out side people driving by stop & ask me what kind of tree it is & where I got it all the time. It is about 12'high by 10' wide'. The tree requires lots of water & magnesium sulfate to keep the flowers white (I have to add this monthly). I live in the Chicago area & my tree has gone through some harsh winters & lost some branches, but new ones always sprout out & will grow 2' or more in 1yr.:

Should I use Magnesium sulfate, epsom salt, lime?

The GGs I planted last year did outstanding, and I was hoping for something different and fast growing.
Thanks