Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-7 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

The large white cone-shaped flowers of the Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea transition throughout the bloom cycle. Flowers start white and develop a light pink hue at the base before turning a rich, deep pink that eventually envelopes the entire flower cluster. The plant continues to push out blooms throughout July and August, so the flowers will be in various stages of the color transition, giving the Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea an eye-catching appearance. The large flowers are supported on red stems and surrounded by glossy light green foliage.

Hydrangeas have an upright growth habit and require very little attention once established. Use this fast-growing shrub in beds, borders, or as a specimen planting. The striking blooms make for excellent cut or dried flowers. The Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea grows as a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8.

Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea Care

Plant the Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea in moist, well-draining soil. This plant has average water needs, but it does not like wet feet. Soil should have high organic content and 6.0 to 6.2 pH. This beauty needs full to part sun, so find a spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of light. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks or a slow-release fertilizer every few months. Use a fertilizer with high levels of phosphorus.

Spent blooms can be removed or left in place while the plant overwinters. Trim back dead growth and shape the plant during the late fall or winter. Flowers grow on new wood, so prune the plant well before new growth emerges to ensure the plant will bloom. Wrap or cover Hydrangeas in areas that have cold winter weather or increased snowfall.

Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea Spacing

The Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea can grow 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. The plant may not reach its full size until the second or third year after it has had time to settle in. Plant 4 feet apart from other Hydrangea plants to create a dense continuous planting or space further if you want to leave some blank areas around the plant.