Native to eastern China, Japan, and the islands of Sakhalin and Kuril, Hydrangea paniculata is the cold-hardiest of its clan, thriving from zone 3 through to 8. Unlike the mop-heads, it blooms on the current season's new growth, so it can be cut back hard in late winter or early spring without sacrificing any flowers. This also means late frosts pose no threat to the buds. The great conical panicles — 6 to 8 inches of creamy white florets — open in summer and transform as autumn approaches, shifting from blush pink to warm brown before the leaves fall.

At full size, this is a large plant, easily reaching 8 to 15 feet and occasionally taller. It tolerates air pollution and thrives in urban settings, making it practical as well as beautiful. The shallow roots benefit from a steady layer of mulch. While it prefers morning sun with some afternoon relief, it handles more direct sun than any other hydrangea species — a quality that expands where it can be planted considerably.