Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry'

Strawberry Sundae' Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanilla Strawberry’ is a deciduous shrub known for its large upright flower panicles that open creamy white, then gradually deepen through pink to rich strawberry-red as the season progresses. This panicle hydrangea blooms on new wood from mid to late summer, often showing multiple flower colors on the same panicle at once. Strong upright stems and dramatic color change make it one of the most striking late-season hydrangeas.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: Width: 5–6 ft · Height: 6–7 ft
USDA Zones: 4a–8b

Form: Upright, rounded

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Adaptable; moist, well-drained soil preferred

Water: Medium; benefits from regular moisture during dry periods

Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for specimen planting, borders, mixed shrub beds, and foundation plantings where the dramatic white-to-red flower progression provides long seasonal interest. The flower heads are also excellent for fresh and dried arrangements.

Care:
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Because it blooms on new wood, prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage vigorous flowering. Mulch to conserve moisture and support root health.

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

6-7'

Width

5-6'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Fall, Summer

Flower color

Dark Pink, White

Leaf color

Olive Drab

Fall color

Pale Pink

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No