Chantilly Lace Hydrangea: A Late-Blooming Beauty for Your Garden

• ‘Chantilly Lace’ is a compact cultivar of Hydrangea paniculata
• Grows 5-6 feet tall and wide with stunning white to pink flower panicles
• Blooms late summer into fall, providing color when other shrubs are done
• Hardy in zones 3-8 and tolerant of urban conditions
• Requires minimal maintenance and can be pruned to desired shape

Are you looking for a showstopping shrub that blooms when others have faded? Meet the ‘Chantilly Lace’ hydrangea, a stunning cultivar of the panicle hydrangea that will add a touch of elegance to your late summer and fall garden. This compact beauty offers the perfect blend of easy care and eye-catching blooms, making it a must-have for gardeners of all skill levels.

About Chantilly Lace Hydrangea

Characteristics

‘Chantilly Lace’ is a deciduous shrub that typically grows in an upright mound, reaching a height and spread of 5-6 feet. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as a focal point in larger landscapes. Its most striking feature is the large flower panicles, which can measure up to 10 inches long and 6 inches wide.

Flowers

The flower panicles of ‘Chantilly Lace’ are a sight to behold. They consist of a 50-50 mixture of sterile and fertile flowers, creating a lacy, ethereal appearance. The blooms open white and gradually mature to a soft pink, providing a changing color palette throughout the season. What sets this cultivar apart is its late-blooming nature, often producing flowers until the first frost.

Foliage

While the flowers steal the show, the foliage of ‘Chantilly Lace’ is also attractive. The ovate, dark green leaves measure 3-6 inches long and provide a lush backdrop for the blooms. Although the fall color is generally undistinguished, the overall appearance of the shrub remains appealing throughout the growing season.

Growing Chantilly Lace Hydrangea

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Scientific name: Hydrangea paniculata ‘Chantilly Lace’
• Common name: Panicle hydrangea
• Zone: 3 to 8
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Humidity: Moderate
• Water: Medium

Soil and Watering

‘Chantilly Lace’ thrives in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. While it prefers consistent moisture, it’s more tolerant of dry conditions than other hydrangea species. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system.

Pruning and Maintenance

One of the advantages of ‘Chantilly Lace’ is its low maintenance requirements. Since it blooms on current season’s growth, you can prune it in late winter or early spring without sacrificing flowers. For larger flower panicles, consider thinning the plant to 5-10 primary shoots.

Landscaping with Chantilly Lace Hydrangea

Garden Uses

The versatility of ‘Chantilly Lace’ makes it suitable for various garden settings:

1. Mixed shrub borders
2. Open woodland gardens
3. Specimen plant
4. Accent in foundation plantings
5. Informal hedge

Its late-season blooms make it especially valuable in the garden, providing interest when many other shrubs have finished flowering.

Companion Plants

Pair ‘Chantilly Lace’ with other late-season bloomers or plants with interesting foliage:

• Ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Pennisetum
• Late-blooming perennials such as Rudbeckia or Sedum
• Shrubs with colorful fall foliage like Fothergilla or Viburnum

Common Problems and Solutions

While ‘Chantilly Lace’ is generally hardy and disease-resistant, it can occasionally face some issues:

1. Bud blight: Prune affected areas and ensure good air circulation.
2. Leaf spot: Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
3. Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial predators.
4. Mites: Spray with a strong jet of water or use horticultural oil.

The ‘Chantilly Lace’ hydrangea is a garden gem that offers beauty, versatility, and easy care. Its late-blooming nature and stunning flower panicles make it a valuable addition to any landscape, providing interest when other plants have faded. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this charming shrub is sure to become a favorite in your outdoor space. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicate beauty of ‘Chantilly Lace’ in your garden year after year!