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First Editions® Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Renhy' PP20670
“Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea is one of those shrubs that stops people in their tracks. The color progression is incredible — white, pink, and then deep strawberry red all at once. It’s hardy, reliable, and easy to care for. I’ve seen it used in everything from formal gardens to cottage-style borders, and it never disappoints.”
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Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea – White to Pink Color-Changing Hydrangea Shrub
A hydrangea as sweet as its name.
The First Editions Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea brings dessert-worthy beauty to the garden with creamy white blooms that gradually turn pink and deepen to a rich strawberry-red as the season progresses. This color-changing panicle hydrangea delivers spectacular summer-to-fall transitions, adding richness and visual drama to landscapes, borders, and foundation plantings.
Big color and bold blooms.
Each sturdy, upright stem supports massive, cone-shaped flower clusters that can reach up to 16 inches in length. New blooms appear white in midsummer, then blush pink, and finally mature to rich rose-red, giving the shrub a multi-tonal effect as the colors overlap. Standing 6 to 7 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, Vanilla Strawberry™ is large enough to make a statement but compact enough for most yards.
Hardy, low-maintenance, and reliable.
As a Hydrangea paniculata, Vanilla Strawberry™ is one of the most cold-hardy and dependable hydrangeas available. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and blooms on new wood, ensuring consistent flowers even after harsh winters or pruning. This hydrangea is also drought-tolerant once established and resists pests and diseases, making it a standout performer in all regions.
Color that keeps coming back.
Vanilla Strawberry™ is part of the First Editions® Collection, known for breeding resilient, high-performance flowering shrubs. Its long-lasting blooms remain colorful even as they dry, transitioning beautifully into autumn décor. Whether you plant it as a single specimen, a privacy hedge, or a mixed border, this shrub delivers four-season beauty with minimal care.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| 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 should I plant my Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea?
Plant in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Choose a location with 6+ hours of sunlight daily, preferably with morning sun and light afternoon shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, then backfill gently and water thoroughly. Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots. This hydrangea performs best in neutral to slightly acidic soil and appreciates even moisture, especially during its first year. Avoid heavy clay or overly dry conditions for optimal growth.
How often should I water my Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea?
Keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during the first growing season. Once established, Vanilla Strawberry™ is moderately drought tolerant and requires deep watering once or twice weekly during hot, dry weather. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage and blooms. Adding mulch helps regulate soil temperature and prevents moisture loss. Regular watering encourages stronger roots, more blooms, and a richer color display throughout the growing season.
When should I fertilize my Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea?
Feed in early spring using a slow-release balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 14-14-14) to support healthy growth and large blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can produce excess foliage at the expense of flowers. A second light feeding in mid-summer can boost bloom production. Mix in organic compost annually to maintain soil fertility and encourage stronger stems capable of holding large, heavy flower clusters upright.
How and when should I prune Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea?
Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Since this hydrangea blooms on new wood, pruning encourages vigorous shoots and more abundant blooms. Remove dead or weak branches, and lightly shape the plant to maintain its upright, symmetrical habit. Avoid pruning during active growth or after buds have formed, as this can reduce the flowering display. Light annual pruning keeps the shrub compact, tidy, and bursting with color year after year.
