Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanille Fraise’

Perfect for adding late summer color to the shrub border, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanille Fraise’ features loose, fluffy, pyramid-shaped flower heads at the tips of gracefully arching branches in summer. Opening creamy white in mid-summer, the florets turn to strawberry-pink as they age, before finally taking on rich pinkish-red tones as fall approaches. The large blossoms retain their red color for 3-4 weeks prior to turning brown. Strong, easy to care and long-lived, this ornamental shrub is perfect to create a very showy flowering effect.

• Grows with an upright rounded habit to 6-8 ft. tall (180-240 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm).
• Performs best in sun to partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Afternoon shade in hot summer climates is recommended.
• Easy-to-grow plant with reliable flowering and flower color regardless of soil PH.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic summer blooms, in front of walls, fences, taller shrubs, and trees. Great for city gardens, cottage gardens, or containers. Panicles may be cut for fresh arrangements or for drying.
• Best if pruned back in late winter or early spring. Blooms occur on the current season’s growth, ensuring reliable flowering.
• Watch for botrytis blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, rust, mildew.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by hardwood cuttings in winter.
• Hydrangea paniculata species is native to southern and eastern China, Korea, Japan, and Russia.
• Foliage can aggravate skin allergies. Mild stomach upset is possible if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.