Hydrangea paniculata 'Ilvobo' BOBO
Common Name: panicle hydrangea 
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 3.00 to 4.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: White maturing to red-purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Hedge
Flower: Showy, Good Cut, Good Dried




Noteworthy Characteristics


The genus name Hydrangea comes from hydor meaning "water" and aggeion meaning "vessel", in reference to the cup-like capsular fruit.

The specific epithet paniculata refers to the arrangement of the flowers in panicles.

'Ilvobo', commonly sold under the trade name of BOBO, is a compact cultivar that typically grows in an upright rounded mound to only 2-3' tall and to 3-4' wide. It is the product of an open pollination in a controlled breeding program that took place in Melle, Belgium in 2003 between Hydrangea paniculata 'Pink Diamond' (female parent) and an unknown Hydrangea paniculata (male parent). 'Ilvobo' is particularly noted for its dwarf/compact mounded shape, free branching habit, early flowering, strong stems, and conical flowering habit. Abundant sterile white flowers bloom early and profusely in large flower panicles (each to 11" long). Strong stiff stems hold the panicles upright with no drooping. Flowers gradually acquire pink to light purple tones as they mature. Flowers typically bloom from July through September. Ovate, serrate, dark green leaves (to 2 1/2” long) produce generally undistinguished fall color. Flower panicles may be cut for fresh arrangements or for drying, or may be left on the plant where they often persist into winter. U. S. Plant Patent PP22,782 was issued on May 25, 2010.




Mass or group in a mixed shrub border or open woodland garden. Also effective as a lawn specimen, accent or hedge. Provides late summer bloom when few other shrubs are in flower.