Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea

Vanilla Strawberry™ is the named ‘Renhy’ panicle hydrangea, selected for large, upright flower heads held on red stems. Its panicles open creamy white in midsummer, turn pink as nights cool, and deepen to strawberry red later in fall; new flowers open while older heads change color, so several tones can appear together. First Editions lists a mature height of 6–7 feet and spread of 5–6 feet, full sun to part shade, and USDA Zones 3–8; the heads also suit fresh cutting and dried winter arrangements. [First Editions](https://firsteditionsplants.com/product/vanilla-strawberry-hydrangea/) ## Garden use Give this large shrub room to show its upright outline and changing flowers through summer and fall. Panicle hydrangea tolerates more sun than many hydrangeas and blooms on current-season growth. Choose well-drained soil; afternoon shade can help in a hot site, and mulch benefits the shallow roots. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/) ## Maintenance Water during establishment and prolonged dry spells, avoiding waterlogged soil. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or reduce the shrub before new shoots extend, and renew mulch over the root zone. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/)