Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Hot Sauce™ Hardy Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘COUSTAR02’ USPP34546, CPBRAF) delivers bold color in a compact frame. This panicle hydrangea grows just 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, making it one of the most space-efficient selections in its class. Large cone-shaped blooms open creamy white in early summer, then shift to rich pink and red tones as the season advances. We’ve planted it in small foundation beds where traditional hydrangeas overwhelmed the space, and it consistently produces full flower heads without outgrowing its spot.
The growth habit is dense and well-branched, so stems support the blooms without flopping. Like other Hydrangea paniculata selections, it flowers on new wood, which adds reliability after cold winters. It has no notable fragrance, but pollinators visit the blooms through summer. Deciduous foliage provides a clean green backdrop during the growing season. Use it in mass plantings, low hedges, perennial borders, patio containers, or mixed shrub beds in both contemporary and cottage-style gardens.
Hot Sauce™ Hardy Hydrangea Care
Plant in full sun to part sun for the strongest stems and best flower color. In hotter regions, afternoon shade helps protect blooms from scorch. This hydrangea prefers moist, well-drained soil and adapts to a range of soil types, including loam and amended clay. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0 supports healthy growth. Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season, and avoid letting plants dry out during peak summer heat. Apply a balanced flowering shrub fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.
Because it blooms on new wood, prune in late winter or very early spring before growth resumes. Cut stems back by one-third to encourage strong branching and abundant flower production. Remove spent blooms if desired for a tidy appearance, or leave them in place for winter interest. In colder climates, a layer of mulch around the root zone provides added insulation.
Hot Sauce™ Hardy Hydrangea Spacing
Space plants about 3 feet apart for mass plantings or a low flowering hedge. In mixed borders, allow enough room for the mature 2 to 3 foot spread and ample air circulation. For containers, choose a pot at least 16 to 20 inches wide with drainage holes. Combine with sun-tolerant companions such as dwarf ornamental grasses, trailing calibrachoa, or compact salvia, positioning lower plants around the edge to highlight the hydrangea’s changing flower color.
Hot Sauce™ Hardy Hydrangea Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9 |
| Sun Exposure: Full to Part Sun (3–6+ hrs/day) |
| Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
| Spacing: 3 Feet |
| Bloom Time: Early Summer to Fall |
| Flower Color(s): Cream, Pink, Red |
| Flower Description: Panicles start cream and turn pink/red in late summer and fall |
| Features: Heat Tolerant, Pollinator Friendly |
| Common Name: Hot Sauce Hardy Hydrangea |
| Botanical Name: Hydrangea paniculata ‘COUSTAR02‘ USPP34546, CPBRAF |
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2026. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
| Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
|---|---|
| Zone 10 | March 30th |
| Zone 9 | March 30th |
| Zone 8 | April 6th |
| Zone 7 | April 13th |
| Zone 6b | April 20st |
| Zone 6a | April 27th |
| Zone 5b | May 4th |
| Zone 5a | May 11th |
| Zone 4 | May 18th |
| Zone 3 | May 25th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!