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First Editions® Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Renhy' PP20670
Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea dazzles with large cone-shaped blooms that transition from creamy white to vibrant pink and deep strawberry red, creating months of garden color. Ideal for hedges, foundation plantings, and specimen shrubs, this low-maintenance, sun-loving hydrangea adds bold seasonal interest and beauty to any landscape.
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Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea
Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Renhy’) is a show-stopping deciduous shrub known for its spectacular color-changing flower clusters. This panicle hydrangea produces massive, cone-shaped blooms that emerge creamy white in midsummer, gradually transforming to a luscious strawberry-pink and finally deepening into rich rose-red as the season progresses. With its long bloom time and stunning color transitions, Vanilla Strawberry™ offers four-season interest and dramatic curb appeal in any landscape.
Reaching 6 to 7 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea is perfect for use as a flowering hedge, foundation plant, or specimen shrub. Its strong, upright red stems support the large blooms without flopping, making it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements and garden focal points. Hardy in USDA Zones 4–8, this hydrangea thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts well to a variety of well-drained soils. Once established, it is tolerant of heat and summer humidity, making it both resilient and rewarding to grow.
Low maintenance and easy to prune, Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea blooms on new wood, allowing for shaping in late winter or early spring without sacrificing flower production. Its eye-catching blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while its adaptable nature makes it suitable for both formal and informal garden designs. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a garden bed, enhance a foundation planting, or create a privacy screen with seasonal flair, Vanilla Strawberry™ delivers unmatched beauty, versatility, and landscape value.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 6 to 7 feet |
| Mature Width: | 4 to 5 feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved deciduous shrub, summer flowering |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Habit: | Upright, densely branched |
| Flower Color: | White, turning pink to pinkish-red in late summer |
| Foliage: | Dark green |
| Pruning Season: | Late winter to early spring, promotes increased branching and more flowers |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting, or a specimen planting |
How to Care for First Editions® Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea plant for years to come!
How do I plant Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas?
To plant Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangeas, begin by choosing a location that receives full sun to partial shade, with at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal flowering. These panicle hydrangeas thrive in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball, then place the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil mixed with compost, gently firm it in, and water thoroughly to help settle the roots. For mass plantings or privacy screens, space your Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas about 4 to 6 feet apart to allow for mature growth and good air circulation. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stem, to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Once planted, water regularly during the first growing season to encourage a deep, established root system. With the right planting technique and location, Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas will reward you with vibrant, ever-changing blooms and robust, healthy growth.
How do I water a Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea?
Watering Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangeas correctly is essential to support their lush growth and prolific blooming. During the first growing season, water deeply 2 to 3 times per week to help establish a strong root system. Focus on soaking the soil at the base of the plant rather than overhead watering, which can lead to fungal issues. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to prevent stress, especially when the large flower heads are forming. A moisture-retentive mulch layer around the base will help regulate soil moisture and reduce evaporation. Once established, Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas are relatively low-maintenance and moderately drought-tolerant, but they still benefit from consistent watering during dry spells. Check the soil regularly, and water when the top 1–2 inches feel dry to the touch. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, particularly during the blooming season, as this can lead to wilted flowers or reduced color intensity. With proper watering, your Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea will deliver stunning color shifts and healthy, vigorous growth throughout the growing season.
How do I fertilize Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas?
To fertilize Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangeas, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth begins. A formula like 10-10-10 or one specially designed for flowering shrubs will support healthy foliage and encourage large, colorful blooms. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with the stems, and water thoroughly after application to help nutrients absorb into the soil. This feeding provides the nutrients needed for robust flower production and vibrant color transformation from white to strawberry-pink to deep red. For continued vigor, you can apply a second light feeding in midsummer, especially in poor or sandy soils. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Amending the soil annually with compost or organic matter also improves soil structure and nutrient availability. With the right feeding schedule, your Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas will thrive, producing show-stopping blooms and maintaining strong, healthy growth throughout the growing season.
How and When Do I Prune Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea?
Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea is a panicle hydrangea that blooms on new wood, which means it should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to shape the plant for a more compact, upright form. You can cut back last year’s growth by one-third to encourage stronger stems and larger, more vibrant blooms. This annual pruning not only improves the structure and appearance of the shrub but also boosts flower production. Avoid pruning Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas in late spring or summer, as this can remove developing buds and reduce the season’s flower display. After the blooming season, you may lightly deadhead spent flower clusters to maintain a tidy look, although this is not necessary for plant health. With proper pruning at the right time, your Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea will grow fuller each year, supporting large, cone-shaped blooms that shift beautifully from creamy white to rich strawberry-pink and red throughout the season.
