Description
The Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea is a magnificent shrub prized for its huge 25 cm flowers, year-round interest, and cold tolerance.
The spectacular flowers first appear in mid-summer in creamy white. But the color show doesn't stop there. The white blooms transition to pink and then deepen into a dark strawberry pink!
At any given time, all three color stages can be seen on the Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea, creating an almost surreal multicolor effect. The conical, full blooms reach lengths of 20-30 cm, and each massive flower head consists of hundreds of individual flowers.
Ideal conditions for this panicle hydrangea include full sun and well-drained soils. It thrives in winter hardiness zones 4-8 and is extremely cold tolerant, yet it also flourishes in brutal summer heat.
It's recommended to mulch in early autumn to protect the root ball from harsh winter conditions. Additionally, pruning in late winter is a common practice for optimal blooming.
This sweet Vanilla-Hydrangea hybrid is not only beautiful and easy to grow but also attracts a variety of pollinators to your garden. Moreover, you can create elegant home decorations with cuttings from this flowering shrub. Plant this striking shrub anywhere in your garden to achieve instant curb appeal.
The large, conical flower heads start off creamy white from mid-summer.
As night temperatures drop, the flowers turn strawberry red.
Compact bush, suitable for smaller gardens.
Reliable flowering even in zone 3.
Easy to grow, even in urban gardens.
How to Grow
The Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea thrives in any well-drained soil that is not overly dry. It grows well in full sun and partial shade—afternoon shade is beneficial in warmer zones. It is relatively drought-resistant, but regular watering during dry weather is recommended. It has no pests or diseases; the only necessary care is a simple pruning in spring. The more you prune at this time, the larger the flower heads will be, but lighter pruning results in more flowers—it's up to your preference.