‘Phantom’ is a medium sized shrub 6 ft. high and 6 ft. wide with a branching habit. The flowerheads are huge, measuring up to 15 inches with a mixture of showy but sterile flowers and smaller, fertile ones. Strong stems hold the flower clusters upright and prevent drooping. The flowers emerge white with a green tint in July, turn pink as they mature, and continue to bloom until fall. The color of the flowers is not affected by the pH of the soil. Phantom blooms on the current season’s wood so it is not susceptible to late spring frosts. It does well in full sun to light shade and is moderately drought - tolerant. This is a hybrid of Hydrangea paniculata which is native to Japan, China and Korea where it grows at altitudes up to 4,000 ft. In 2008 Phantom received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.