Bobo hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Ilvobo) is a relatively fast-growing shrub with dainty white flowers that makes for an ideal specimen for any home garden. The plant is a dwarf variety of panicle hydrangea. Hence, the ‘bobo” plant is a relatively smaller version.
Some remarkable features of this plant are its bright green foliage (which has broader margins) and its white to greenish flower buds that turn pink in the fall and often spread into a panicle, having a pyramidal form.
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The panicle hydrangea originates from East Asia, particularly in China and Japan. Most early types would normally grow in warmer areas under full sun. Still, their widespread cultivation through the years made the plant indoors adaptable to just about any growing conditions.
Plant Name: Hydrangea paniculata Ilvobo
Other Name: Bobo Hydrangea
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Native Areas: Cultivar
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Moderate
Fertilizer: All-purpose fertilizer
Toxicity: Toxic to pets
Temperature: Warm temperatures
Propagation: Cuttings
Growth: 2-3 feet tall and wide
Soil Type: Loamy well-draining soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
More About Bobo Hydrangea
Growing at only about two feet, the plant outdoors can do great wonders as a foundation shrub, but it may also be planted as hedges or when you wish to add texture to your landscape. So, it looks fabulous in a mass planting with other plants.
Belonging to the family Hydrangeaceae, ‘Bobo hydrangea’ plants only expand at 25 inches per year. Their ability to adapt and spread depends on the condition of the plant. Hence, it is important to choose the healthier ones as this affects their growth in the long run.
Bobo Hydrangea Care
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The care of Bobo hydrangea is almost similar to the other types of panicle hydrangea. They will ideally thrive in rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic soil. Watering should be minimal, and avoid exposing them to full sun for longer periods.
The Bobo hydrangea will perform well under shadier conditions and may develop more white blooms. Are you thinking of growing this beauty in the next planting season? Read further to know how to best care for the Bobo panicle hydrangea.
Panicle Hydrangea Soil
Panicle hydrangeas generally thrive in good, loamy soil with moderate moisture content. A slightly acidic soil pH (5.5 – 6.5) is preferable as they are not fond of alkaline soil.
When tending to your Bobo hydrangea, it is ideal to keep the soil around them slightly moist but not overly saturated, as it can lead to waterlogging, which may ultimately cause root rot.
Pro tip: To plant hydrangeas, add more texture and OM to the soil by incorporating peat moss, which may be purchased at your local plant store. Adding it to the potting mix creates a rich soil, especially clay soil.
Hydrangea Paniculata Light
Bobo hydrangea needs at least 4 to 6 hours of sun and 3 to 4 hours of shade to grow optimally. In colder regions, the plant may be tolerant to part shade. While in areas with hot climates, the plant should be given ample afternoon shade to avoid scorching the foliage.
The best condition to plant Bobo hydrangea is when it is given full sun exposure (morning sun) and sufficient shade in the afternoon. However, be cautious of subjecting the plant to too much shade, as this can also affect its ability to flower over time.
The bobo hydrangea are proven winners and make for an excellent foundation shrub in the garden.
Watering Bobo Hydrangea Paniculata
Like most traditional hydrangeas, Ilvobo will thrive with minimal watering – ideally once or twice a week. Watering may increase gradually from twice to thrice a week in summer. Avoid overwatering as this risks the plant to root rot, which can develop into other types of diseases.
Also, refrain from watering your hydrangea during winter.
Temperature & Humidity
Hardiness zones, in particular, are based on the average annual minimum temperature expected to occur in an area during winter.
Relative to this, Bobo hydrangea grow at USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8a, where they could bloom during early summer to early spring and fall.
There is no special requirement when it comes to humidity for hydrangeas. Yet, extreme weather conditions can impact the plant during the flowering season.
Fertilizing Bobo Hydrangea Paniculata
The Bobo panicle hydrangea may benefit from a light application of all-purpose fertilizer, particularly one rich in phosphorous (15-30-15), to promote flowering. You may have to be cautious in applying nitrogen, which can lead to lush leaf growth but relatively few flowers.
Pro tip: Fertilize your panicle hydrangea in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. You may ask about this in your local plant shop and buy those specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label recommendations for rates of application and avoid using cheap fertilizers.
Pruning
The bobo hydrangea typically has a garden height of 30-36 inches. Ideally, new-wood blooming hydrangeas – which are dense – must be cut back in late winter to accommodate new growth in the spring.
Also, old flowering shrubs often require pruning after the bloom’s age. The plant may reach its full stature in just two years, after which it must be maintained, which involves deadheading it after flowering.
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Likewise, use sterile pruning shears to keep fungal infections at bay.
Propagating Bobo Panicle Hydrangea
Most of Hydrangea paniculata is propagated by cuttings in early spring.
Stem Cutting Steps:
First, you need to select a healthy stem that is at least 6 inches (15 cm) long. Remove some of the leaves but retain at least 2-3 leaves. Cut the stem below a leaf node using a sharp pair of scissors or knife.
If you have a rooting hormone, you may dip the end of the cuttings in it and then plant them in a damp potting media. Cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment favorable for root formation.
Pro tip: Regularly check the panicle hydrangeas cuttings every few days to ensure the soil is still damp. In about 3-4 weeks, you may expect the cuttings to form roots. Afterward, you may transplant them in early fall or spring.
Bobo Hydrangea Similar Plants
From small compact shrubs with white flowers to staggered ones with blooms that gradually divert pink over a change in season, below are other hydrangeas that are worth looking into:
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Amethyst’
A dwarf hydrangea, Amethyst flaunts a marvelous set of pink and purple blooms with green edges. Similar to most traditional hydrangea, soil pH can have an effect on the color of the flowers, for example, petals tend to be relatively blueish in slightly acidic soil.
When tending to this lovely specimen, be sure to keep the soil moist and water once or twice a week. Given its compact stature, the plant makes for a perfect foundation or pot plant.
Hyrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle”
Characterized as a big leaf hydrangea, Annabelle is often seen growing in the wild in the eastern United States. As another type of flowering shrub, Annabelle is known for its whitish-green blooms that turn fully white during the summer season.
As you may guess, the plant is also fond of moist but well-drained soil, they adore shaded areas and they are best pruned in the winter to maintain their stature.
Hydrangea serrata ‘Beni-Gaku’
Beni-Gaku’s reputation as an ornamental shrub is attributed to its multicolored blooms. Its white and blush pink outer ring of larger flowers usually surrounds an inner cluster of deep purple buds.
This type of hydrangea will also thrive well in rich, moist media with a slightly acidic soil pH. They are best planted in areas that receive partial sun or afternoon shade.
Due to their potential for a multi-season display, the Beni-Gaku may be well suited for mixed shrub borders with the soft pink bloom.
Bobo Hydrangea Common Diseases And Pests
While insect pests rarely occur in a relatively low humid and colder environment, some problems that may affect your Hydrangea paniculata ‘ilvobo’ are fungal and bacterial infections – showing symptoms such as leaf spots, stunted growth, and yellowing. Other concerns are deer that might enjoy browsing on the leaves depending on the season.
Common Bobo Hydrangea Diseases
The most common fungal disease in hydrangea is powdery mildew, resulting in a powdery substance on the leaf surface – giving the plant an unpleasant appearance. To avoid fungal spores from forming, make sure that there is sufficient airflow around the plant. Avoid overhead watering and remove decaying plant parts as soon as they become visible, which can lead to leaf spot.
Common Bobo Hydrangea Pests
Meanwhile, some of the most common pests that may feed on the lovely foliage of your hydrangea include mites, aphids, and bugs. To combat them, the most sustainable solution would be using neem oil or any horticultural oil (e.g., citronella) that can repel insects.
Pro tip: Avoid waterlogging, ensure the plant receives ample afternoon sun, and choose a planting site with a fine balance of rich, well-drained soil.
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