Compact shrub hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata Switch Ophelia (Polestar, Breg14)

Hydrangea paniculata Polestar ('Breg14' PBR), also sold as Switch Ophelia, is an ultra-compact panicle hydrangea selected in the Netherlands. The shrub remains low and dense, reaching approximately 50 cm in height and 50–80 cm in width, making it ideal for pots, terraces, and small spaces.

It blooms early for a panicle hydrangea, from June through autumn. The inflorescences are rounded and flattened, with a lace-type structure (large sterile flowers + small fertile flowers). They open greenish-white / cream, then turn pink and, toward autumn, dark pink. The flower color is not affected by soil pH.

Key features:

• Dwarf, compact shrub (approximately 50 cm)
• Long flowering period: June–October
• Creamy white flowers, then pink, then dark pink
• Color does NOT depend on pH
• Good frost resistance
• Deciduous

Easy care:

• Light: full sun or partial shade. In strong summer sun, afternoon partial shade protects the flowers.
• Temperature: hardy (approximately -25°C, H5 zone). Suitable for planting in Romanian gardens, provided the soil is well drained.
• Watering: keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. In a pot, do not allow the soil to dry out completely in summer.
• Pruning: blooms on new wood. Prune in spring, shortening the previous year's shoots above a woody framework.
• Soil: fertile, moist, and well drained.

Recommended growing medium:
For planting in a pot or improving garden soil:
→ Premium universal potting soil (Netherlands) - Secret Garden

Uses:
Excellent in pots, at entrances, in low borders, small gardens, and on terraces. The flowers remain decorative on the shrub even after drying. Also suitable as cut flowers.

Note: Unlike Hydrangea macrophylla, the flower color of panicle hydrangeas cannot be changed with aluminum sulfate or acidic soil. This shrub is deciduous: it loses its leaves in winter and returns in spring.

A miniature, early-flowering, easy-care hydrangea with flowers that change from white to pink throughout the season.

Cold resistance: down to -40°C
Pot size:  19 cm
Height including pot: 40-60 cm (varies depending on the season)