{"product_id":"bobo-hydrangea","title":"Bobo Hydrangea","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Dwarf Hydrangea Smothered in White Blooms for Small Minnesota Yards\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBobo Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'ILVOBO') is a compact 2.5–3 foot panicle that practically disappears under its load of white flowers in summer — blooms so heavy they nearly hide the foliage, blushing soft pink as the season cools. As a panicle type it's reliably cold-hardy and flowers every year on new wood. Whether you're lining a foundation in Edina, edging a border in Woodbury, or filling a patio container in Maple Grove — Bobo packs an outsized bloom show into compact zone 4b–5a spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBobo Hydrangea Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mce-item-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHydrangea paniculata 'ILVOBO'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePanicle Hydrangea, Bobo Hydrangea\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5–3 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–4 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate — compact, dense, mounded\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part sun (6+ hours ideal) for the heaviest bloom.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate. Consistent moisture the first year; established plants tolerate average rainfall.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — fully hardy and reliable here\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdaptable — tolerates Minnesota clay-loam and most soils; prefers moist, well-draining ground.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — green leaves drop in fall; dried flower heads persist for winter interest.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -40°F. Blooms every year in Minnesota — one of the hardiest hydrangeas.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot deer-resistant — protect from browsing in high-pressure areas.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProfuse white panicles that nearly hide the foliage, blushing pink with age, midsummer into fall, on new wood.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBobo Hydrangea Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFoundations and small borders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts low, mounded habit and heavy bloom make Bobo a favorite for foundations, bed edges, and small borders in Edina or Plymouth where it delivers maximum flowers in minimum space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eContainers and accents\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compact habit suits a large patio container or a colorful low accent. Cut a few stems for fresh or dried arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLow hedges and mass plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted 3 feet apart, it forms a low, flower-packed hedge that rebounds fast each spring on new wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Bobo Hydrangea in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window. Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpring (late April–May, after the ground thaws) is the second-best window, giving the shrub a full season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Bobo Hydrangea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep — 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePick a sunny spot — at least 6 hours of sun for the fullest bloom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed with 20–30% compost; firm gently and water in well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 3 feet apart for a low hedge; give specimens room to mound out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild a shallow water basin to direct water to the roots; flatten it before winter to avoid ice damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch 2–3 inches with shredded bark, kept 2 inches off the stems. Prune by up to a third in early spring — it blooms on new wood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Bobo Hydrangea in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 3–4 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 5–7 days; hydrangeas wilt fast in heat, so don't let it dry out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished plants need deep watering during dry spells and summer heat. Panicle hydrangeas are tougher than bigleaf types but still bloom best with steady moisture. Let natural rainfall do the rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDrip Irrigation in Minnesota\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf used, place emitters 10–15 inches from the trunk and keep the root zone evenly moist. Always winterize the system — blow out the lines before freeze and shut timers off by early October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Bobo survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasily — panicle hydrangeas are hardy to zone 3, the toughest of all hydrangeas, and bloom reliably in the Twin Cities every year. No winter protection needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is it so heavily flowered?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBobo is famous for producing an enormous number of blooms for its size — the flowers nearly cover the plant at peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen and how do I prune it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn early spring before growth starts, cut it back by up to a third for strong stems and big blooms. It flowers on new wood, so spring pruning never costs you flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does it get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust 2.5–3 feet tall — one of the most compact panicle hydrangeas, ideal for small Minnesota gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLittle Hottie Hydrangea — a compact white panicle with sturdy stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirelight Tidbit Hydrangea — a tiny white-to-red panicle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShop the full Three Timbers Minnesota catalog — zone 4-hardy plants hand-selected for Twin Cities yards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Bobo Hydrangea Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a low, flower-packed hedge or mass planting, space Bobo 3 feet on center (the body's own spacing) — each plant mounds 3–4 feet wide, so the row closes into a continuous band of bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHedge or bed run\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants needed (3 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13–14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBobo Hydrangea Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut back by up to a third before growth starts; fresh green foliage rebounds fast since every flower comes on new wood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e From midsummer on, white panicles smother the plant so heavily they nearly hide the leaves — the heaviest bloom-to-size ratio of any panicle hydrangea.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e The white heads blush soft pink as nights cool, carrying color into October; stems cut now dry beautifully indoors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dried, parchment-colored flower heads persist on the stems, catching snow and giving the bed quiet structure until spring pruning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/little-hottie-hydrangea\"\u003eLittle Hottie Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e — a slightly taller cold-bred white panicle that extends the same look to 3–4 feet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/firelight-tidbit-hydrangea\"\u003eFirelight Tidbit Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e — a tiny white-to-red panicle that adds a deeper late-season color shift beside Bobo's pink blush.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/little-lime-hydrangea\"\u003eLittle Lime Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e — lime-green panicles for a fresh two-tone compact hydrangea border.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/karl-foerster-feather-reed-grass\"\u003eKarl Foerster Feather Reed Grass\u003c\/a\u003e — upright golden wands behind the low white mounds for height and winter structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bobo Hydrangea Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Bobo if you have a sunny to part-sun foundation bed, border edge, or large container and want maximum guaranteed bloom in minimum space — it flowers every year on new wood, shrugging off −40°F with no winter protection. It's not a fit for high-deer-pressure yards without protection (deer browse hydrangeas) or for hot, dry spots that never get watered — it wilts fast in drought.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54312889975089,"sku":null,"price":38.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54312890007857,"sku":null,"price":46.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/bobo-hydrangea.jpg?v=1779596781","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/bobo-hydrangea","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}