Hydrangea paniculata Vanilla Strawberry™

Voted top plant of 2010 by the American Nursery and Landscape Association, Hydrangea paniculata Vanilla Strawberry™ is a relative of the classic PeeGee Hydrangea that produces large flower heads starting in midsummer. They begin creamy white but turn pink and then strawberry red, or even burgundy, later in the season with the cooler night temperatures. Since new flower heads continue opening into late summer, plants can 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

Because Panicle Hydrangeas bloom on new growth, they typically flower normally even if the twigs have been killed back by frost. Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot; some early afternoon shade is beneficial in hot southern regions. Prune in late winter or early spring.

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—a quiet time for most woody plants—and are worth having for that reason alone.

For more information on Hydrangea care, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: hye-dran'jee-uh

Growing Hydrangea paniculata

Light/Watering: Most varieties thrive in full sun in the North, but in the South afternoon shade is required. Moist soils that do not dry out are best; do not plant in hot, dry, exposed sites. Mulch to conserve moisture and buffer soil temperatures. Avoid watering with overhead sprinklers to discourage fungal diseases.

Fertilizer/Soil & pH: Do not fertilize in the first growing season. Fertilizer is optional, once in spring with a fertilizer designed to encourage blooms (such as 15-30-15). An annual topdressing of compost is always beneficial. Soils should be moist but well drained, and rich in organic matter. Flower color is not affected by soil pH.

Pests/Diseases: None serious. Occasionally powdery mildew will infect the foliage, especially in humid areas with poor air circulation. Fungal leaf spots can occur, especially in fall when watered with overhead sprinklers, but they do not affect the overall health of the plant. Treat with Neem oil or horticultural oil, if the problem is serious, and be sure to rake up and destroy all fallen foliage in the autumn.

Pruning: Little pruning is needed, except to remove any dead or broken branches, and should be done only in winter and or early spring. Hydrangea paniculata blooms on new wood so avoid pruning in late spring and summer when flower buds are forming and getting ready to bloom. If desired, to rejuvenate an older plant, a third of the older and crossed branches can be cut back to encourage stronger branching with more numerous, although smaller, blossoms.

Tree form Hydrangea paniculata: Prune in late winter or early spring, removing lower suckers and up to half the older top growth.

Transplanting: Young plants may be transplanted when dormant in early spring. Prune top growth after transplanting to reduce water loss.

Calendar of Care

Early Spring: If desired, prune as indicated above. Feed plants (optional) with a fertilizer high in phosphorus (such as 15-30-15) to encourage blooms. Complete any transplanting before leaves unfurl.

Mid-Spring: Mulch plants after soil has warmed to conserve moisture and buffer soil temperatures. Watch for powdery mildew and treat as needed. Do not prune as doing so risks removing developing flower buds.

Summer: Do not prune in summer when flower buds form. Make sure to water well in dry weather and as flowers begin to develop. Lack of water at this time can cause blossoms to dry out prematurely and fail to develop color in varieties that display changing hues throughout the season.

Fall & End-of-Season Care: Remove and destroy any fallen foliage that could harbor disease spores. Cover the ground with up to 3" of mulch; avoid piling mulch against the trunk of the plant. Enjoy the dried flower heads through the winter, cut some to display indoors or deadhead them in late fall if you prefer, but do no substantial pruning.

For more information on growing Hydrangeas, click here.

SHOP ALL HYDRANGEAS

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Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].