Frequently Asked Questions
How is Quick Fire Fab hydrangea different than the original Quick Fire?
The original Quick Fire hydrangea is a lacecap hydrangea – that means it has a higher proportion of small, star-like fertile florets than showy, papery sterile florets. Quick Fire Fab, on the other hand, is a mophead, which means that the dazzling sterile florets far outnumber the small, less showy fertile florets. That means bigger, fuller flowers – and the same early bloom time as Quick Fire and Little Quick Fire!
I want to plant a hedge of Quick Fire Fab hydrangeas. How far should I space my plants?
Quick Fire Fab gets to be 6-8’ wide, so you’ll want to plant them with their centers 5-7’ apart, depending on how quickly you are willing to wait for them to fill in.
I live in USDA zone 9. Can I grow Quick Fire Fab?
If you live in a mild zone 9, like Northern California, you can grow it well. In very hot zone 9 areas, like Florida or Texas, it probably won’t look its best, so we don’t recommend it.
Does it bloom on old wood or new wood?
Quick Fire Fab is a panicle hydrangea, so it blooms on new wood. That’s why it can be safely pruned in spring and still bloom that summer.
Do I have to prune Quick Fire Fab hydrangea?
Pruning is not strictly necessary, but we do recommend it. By cutting back by about one-third its total height in late winter or early spring, you help to build a sturdy wood base while also encouraging lots of new growth for maximum blooms. If you skip a year here or there, it’s not a problem. If you prefer, you may prune it in autumn, once it has gone completely dormant, but we generally recommend leaving it intact over winter, as the dried flowers lend interest to the landscape and shelter for the birds.
Is this plant an evergreen?
No – like all panicle hydrangeas, Quick Fire Fab will lose its leaves in late autumn, even in mild climates.
Does Quick Fire Fab hydrangea have any pests or diseases?
No, like most panicle hydrangeas, it’s a very resilient, easy-care shrub that’s unbothered by pests. The only exception might be deer: they often eat all types of hydrangeas, and are especially fond of the flower buds. If you have deer in your yard, you should protect Quick Fire Fab with a repellent or netting.
Can I change the color of the flowers if I change the pH of my soil?
No. The color of panicle hydrangea flowers is not impacted by soil chemistry.
Can I cut stems for arrangements?
Yes! Please do – it’s a great way to get even more enjoyment from your plant. They can also be dried for crafts and everlasting arrangements. Be aware that they will dry with whatever color they are when you cut them, so if you want colorful blooms, wait to cut until that develops in autumn.
Is Limelight Prime available as a tree?
Not yet. It’s still very new and in somewhat limited supply, though it’s likely that in the future, growers will offer it in a tree form (also known as a standard).
The original Quick Fire hydrangea is a lacecap hydrangea – that means it has a higher proportion of small, star-like fertile florets than showy, papery sterile florets. Quick Fire Fab, on the other hand, is a mophead, which means that the dazzling sterile florets far outnumber the small, less showy fertile florets. That means bigger, fuller flowers – and the same early bloom time as Quick Fire and Little Quick Fire!
I want to plant a hedge of Quick Fire Fab hydrangeas. How far should I space my plants?
Quick Fire Fab gets to be 6-8’ wide, so you’ll want to plant them with their centers 5-7’ apart, depending on how quickly you are willing to wait for them to fill in.
I live in USDA zone 9. Can I grow Quick Fire Fab?
If you live in a mild zone 9, like Northern California, you can grow it well. In very hot zone 9 areas, like Florida or Texas, it probably won’t look its best, so we don’t recommend it.
Does it bloom on old wood or new wood?
Quick Fire Fab is a panicle hydrangea, so it blooms on new wood. That’s why it can be safely pruned in spring and still bloom that summer.
Do I have to prune Quick Fire Fab hydrangea?
Pruning is not strictly necessary, but we do recommend it. By cutting back by about one-third its total height in late winter or early spring, you help to build a sturdy wood base while also encouraging lots of new growth for maximum blooms. If you skip a year here or there, it’s not a problem. If you prefer, you may prune it in autumn, once it has gone completely dormant, but we generally recommend leaving it intact over winter, as the dried flowers lend interest to the landscape and shelter for the birds.
Is this plant an evergreen?
No – like all panicle hydrangeas, Quick Fire Fab will lose its leaves in late autumn, even in mild climates.
Does Quick Fire Fab hydrangea have any pests or diseases?
No, like most panicle hydrangeas, it’s a very resilient, easy-care shrub that’s unbothered by pests. The only exception might be deer: they often eat all types of hydrangeas, and are especially fond of the flower buds. If you have deer in your yard, you should protect Quick Fire Fab with a repellent or netting.
Can I change the color of the flowers if I change the pH of my soil?
No. The color of panicle hydrangea flowers is not impacted by soil chemistry.
Can I cut stems for arrangements?
Yes! Please do – it’s a great way to get even more enjoyment from your plant. They can also be dried for crafts and everlasting arrangements. Be aware that they will dry with whatever color they are when you cut them, so if you want colorful blooms, wait to cut until that develops in autumn.
Is Limelight Prime available as a tree?
Not yet. It’s still very new and in somewhat limited supply, though it’s likely that in the future, growers will offer it in a tree form (also known as a standard).