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Hydrangea Strawberry Sundae Shrubs for Sale Online
Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Rensun') is a compact, eye-catching deciduous shrub known for its stunning flower display that transitions from creamy white to vibrant pink and red throughout the growing season. Growing to a height of 4-5 feet and a similar spread, this hydrangea is perfect for smaller gardens, mixed borders, or as a standout specimen in any landscape. Its large, cone-shaped blooms appear in mid-summer and continue to evolve in color as the season progresses, offering a beautiful, long-lasting display that attracts pollinators like butterflies.
In addition to its striking flowers, Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea is exceptionally hardy and low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, provided the soil is well-drained. This hydrangea is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal pruning, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful yet easy-to-care-for shrub. Whether used in garden beds, borders, or containers, the vibrant blooms of Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea add a dynamic splash of color that transitions throughout the season, keeping your garden lively and engaging.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea is also perfect for cut flower arrangements, bringing the beauty of your garden indoors. Its compact size and upright growth habit make it a great choice for smaller spaces or as part of a flowering hedge. With its exceptional color-changing blooms and low-maintenance care requirements, Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea is a versatile and stunning addition to any landscape, offering year-round beauty and interest.
Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
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Mature Height: | 4 to 5 feet |
Classification: | Broad leaved deciduous shrub, summer flowering |
Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
Habit: | Upright, densely branched |
Flower Color: | White flowers turning to Strawberry pink in late summer to early fall |
Foliage: | Dark Green |
Pruning Season: | Late winter to early spring, promotes increased branching and more flowers |
Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
Water Requirement: | 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® Strawberry Sundae® Hydrangea
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy plant for years to come!
How do I plant a Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea?
To plant a Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea, begin by selecting a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal blooming, preferably morning sun with some afternoon shade to protect the flowers from intense heat. This hydrangea variety thrives in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter, so amending the planting area with compost will help provide the ideal growing environment. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball, ensuring enough space for the roots to spread out comfortably. Carefully place the hydrangea in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground, then backfill with soil, tamping it down lightly to remove air pockets. Once planted, water thoroughly to help establish strong roots. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea to help retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot. Space multiple hydrangeas about 3-5 feet apart to allow for their mature size, ensuring proper air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Consistent moisture is crucial for this hydrangea, especially during the first growing season, so water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. With the right planting and care, Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea will reward you with stunning, multi-colored blooms from midsummer to fall, adding vibrant beauty to your garden or landscape.
How do I water Strawberry Sundae Hydrangeas?
To water Strawberry Sundae Hydrangeas effectively, it is important to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the first growing season while the plant establishes itself. Immediately after planting, water deeply to help the roots settle, and continue to water regularly, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged. These hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil, so aim to water thoroughly about once a week, and more frequently during hot or dry weather. It's best to water at the base of the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation and avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal issues. As the Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea matures, it becomes slightly more drought-tolerant, but consistent watering is still necessary for healthy blooms and vibrant foliage. Mulching around the base of the hydrangea with a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce the need for frequent watering. During particularly hot spells, check the soil frequently and water as needed to prevent it from drying out completely. Proper watering practices will help your Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea produce its signature cone-shaped blooms, transitioning from creamy white to stunning shades of pink and red, making it a show-stopping feature in your garden.
How do I Fertilize Strawberry Sundae Hydrangeas?
To fertilize Strawberry Sundae Hydrangeas, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins. Choose a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio like 10-10-10 or one specifically formulated for flowering shrubs to encourage healthy root development, lush foliage, and abundant blooms. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, but keep it a few inches away from the main stem to avoid root burn. After applying the fertilizer, water the soil thoroughly to help nutrients reach the roots and promote efficient uptake. This early feeding will set the stage for vibrant flowers throughout the growing season. For additional feeding, you can apply a second dose of fertilizer in late spring or early summer to support midseason growth and flower production. However, avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to lush green foliage at the expense of flower development. Organic options, such as compost or well-aged manure, can also be used to provide nutrients in a natural, slow-release form, enriching the soil and improving its texture. Strawberry Sundae Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, so using fertilizers and amendments that help maintain the correct pH will enhance their overall health and blooming potential, resulting in more vibrant, multi-colored flower clusters.
How do I Prune Strawberry Sundae Hydrangeas?
Pruning Strawberry Sundae Hydrangeas is essential for maintaining their shape, encouraging healthy growth, and ensuring abundant blooming. The best time to prune these panicle hydrangeas is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Next, prune back the previous season’s growth by about one-third, focusing on cutting just above a healthy bud. This encourages new shoots to develop, leading to more vigorous flowering in the upcoming season. Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea blooms on new wood, so this type of pruning helps promote more vibrant and abundant flowers. Additionally, light pruning can be done after the blooming period to remove spent flower heads, which helps maintain a tidy appearance. Avoid cutting back too much late in the season, as this could interfere with the development of buds for next year's flowers. If the shrub has become overgrown, you can perform rejuvenation pruning by cutting the oldest branches back to the ground to stimulate fresh growth. With consistent annual pruning, your Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea will produce beautiful, cone-shaped blooms that change from creamy white to shades of pink and red, creating a stunning focal point in your garden.