Twenty-eight plants were in the voting for top plant of 2010, and the American Nursery and Landscape Association announced the winner in late May: Hydrangea paniculata Vanilla Strawberry™ from Bailey Nurseries. Hardy to Zone 4, this relative of the classic PeeGee Hydrangea produces large flower heads starting in midsummer. They begin creamy white but turn pink two weeks later and then become strawberry red or even burgundy, retaining that shade for about 3–4 weeks. New flower heads continue opening into late summer, and as a result, plants display all three color stages at any one time. The blooms are borne on red stems, too, making quite a contrast against the green leaves.'Renhy': PP 20,670

Shipped in a 6 1/2in wide x 5 1/2in high pot.

Hydrangea is a valuable genus of some 100 species of shrubs and vines grown for their large and very showy flower heads. Hydrangeas are at their best in summer and fall -- quiet time for most woody plants -- and are worth having for that reason alone. For information on Hydrangea care, click on "Growing Guide & Tips".