Unusual colors in the blooms distinguish this showy summer-flowering shrub.
Heres how to grow the unique variety in your garden.
BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel
Vanilla strawberryhydrangea(Hydrangea paniculataRenhy) was introduced in 2009.
Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel
Buds open in midsummer into densely clustered white flowers with pinkish centers.
The flower heads take on a deeper and richer blush as they age.
The unique rosy coloring lasts several weeks and features showy red stems.
All parts of hydrangeas are toxic to humans and pets.
Vanilla strawberry hydrangea is a great back-of-the-border or foundation shrub.
It also makes a fantasticflowering hedge plant.
Ensure the stem is at the same soil depth as it was in its container.
Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Space the hydrangeas 4 feet apart for a dense, continuous hedge.
Specimen plants that you want to stand out should be planted at least 5 feet apart.
Depending on the size you start with, expect the hydrangea to bloom a year or two after planting.
Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea Care Tips
Care for vanilla strawberry hydrangea like you would other panicle hydrangeas.
Light
Vanilla strawberry hydrangea prefers sunlight but can grow in partial shade as well.
Choose a spot withrich, well-drained soil, or add compost if the soil is poor.
Once planted, keep your vanilla strawberry hydrangea well-watered during its first year to help it become established.
Similarly, afternoon shade is helpful in arid locations.
In the coldest regions, plants need to be protected from freezing weather to survive the winter.
Mulch can keep the plants from damage.
Fertilizer
These hydrangeas grow best when fertilized occasionally withorganic mulch.
Plus, the blooms that remain at seasons endprovide wintertime interest; theyll dry and turn a parchment color.
The best time toprune this hydrangeais after the worst of winters cold has passedmost likely in February or March.
Remove the old flowers to make way for new ones and to encourage new growth.
you’re able to trim it back by as much as a third every year.
It should be planted in the landscape from the onset.
For potting, dwarf hydrangeas such asLittle Quick Fireare a much better choice.
Propagating Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea
Propagation of strawberry vanilla hydrangea is illegal because its a patented plant.
The seeds of strawberry vanilla hydrangea are sterile and dont grow if planted.
Vanilla strawberry hydrangea makesan excellent cut flower.
The flowerscan also be cut and driedfor indoor decor.
