Vanilla Strawberry™ Panicle Hydrangea Tree Form

Vanilla Strawberry™ Tree Form is the ‘Renhy’ panicle hydrangea presented as a small ornamental tree with upright red stems and a compact canopy. Its large panicles open creamy white in midsummer, turn pink, and then become strawberry red; fresh flowers overlap with older heads for a multicolored late-summer and early-fall display. The breeder notes that red coloration can persist for several weeks. ([First Editions® tree-form profile](https://firsteditionsplants.com/product/vanilla-strawberry-tree-form/)) ## Form and siting For this tree form, the breeder lists about 6–7 feet tall by 5–6 feet wide, full sun to part shade, and USDA zones 4–8. It is suited to small landscapes and urban gardens, where the canopy can provide a flowering focal point. The listed form is intended for small landscapes and urban gardens, where its flowering canopy has room to develop. ## Siting Panicle hydrangea tolerates full sun better than many hydrangeas, but morning sun with afternoon shade is useful in hotter sites. Choose well-drained soil; NC State Extension describes a preference for neutral to acidic soil and notes that the shallow roots benefit from mulch. ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/)) ## Maintenance The species flowers on current-season growth, so late-winter or spring pruning can shape the canopy without removing established woody stems from the prior year. Water during establishment and maintain even soil moisture. The ‘Renhy’ patent is USPP 20,670, published January 26, 2010 ([patent record](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP20670P3/en)).