They look like aliens and indeed were inspired by the waddling astronauts. The Teletubbies took the world by storm, being watched by more than 1.5 billion kids. Because the Teletubbies are so tall, their garden friends the rabbits also had to be similarly huge. They're the largest breed of rabbits on earth, Flemish Giant rabbits, and can weigh up to 22 pounds. Unfortunately, the Teletubbies rabbits did what rabbits do best and mated so much during filming that many scenes had to be interrupted and reshot.
Tinky Winky is the first Teletubby, and at nearly 11 feet tall is the largest of the group. He is made of purple terrycloth with a triangular antenna popping out of his head. He often carries a red bag.
So when a Belgian plant breeder needed a name for his new hydrangea, he came up with Pinky Winky, because his son’s a big fan of the Teletubbies.
Pinky Winky is a panicle hydrangea, so it has a main stem with many small stems branching away from it. This gives Pinky Winky (Hydrangea paniculata) cone-shaped flower heads called panicles, which begin to produce large, white blooms in mid- to late summer. As fall approaches, the florets at the base of the panicles turn pink, while the ends keep growing, producing more white florets at the tip. The resulting spectacular two-toned flower branches can reach up to 16 inches long.
This hydrangea can grow into a large shrub between 6 and 8 feet tall, so it makes a great yard specimen. Pinky Winky is one of the hardiest hydrangeas and is therefore perfect for beginner gardeners. Hydrangea fossils date back over 45 million years ago, making them almost as old as dinosaurs.
Pinky Winky blooms on new growth, unlike many hydrangeas which produce flowers only on old growth. So even if you prune it heavily, it will bloom on the new growth. Like all hydrangeas, this variety will attract lots of butterflies and bees.
Another plus is that unlike many blooming shrubs, it is very resistant to deer. Pinky Winky flowers also have a comforting, spicy scent with undertones of honey and vanilla, making for a great cut flower.
Many hydrangeas change color according to the soil pH, with a reading under about 5.5 making flowers blue and soil above 6.5 pH making them pink. However, Pinky Winky seems to hold its white with coral pink color regardless of the soil pH.
Plant Pinky Winky in full to partial sun. Use it individually or in a hedge. You can prune it heavily to keep the size smaller and still get plenty of blooms. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
It grows best in good, loamy soil, although it is adaptable to many soils. This hardy shrub will bloom regardless of climate, soil, pH or pruning. You can even prune it to grow as a small upright tree. Prune it in late winter or early spring. Fertilize in early spring by digging in a slow-release fertilizer meant for trees and shrubs.
Add magic to your garden, and plant Pinky Winky hydrangeas for years of carefree blooms. Just watch out for Teletubbies and passionate rabbits.
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Paul Barbano writes about gardening from his home in Rehoboth Beach. Contact him by writing to P. O. Box 213, Lewes, DE 19958.
