Panicle Hydrangea 'Fraise Melba'

Panicle hydrangea 'Fraise Melba' (Hydrangea paniculata 'Fraise Melba') is strawberries and cream in the shape of a shrub. The dense conical panicles open snow-white in late July, then redden from the bottom upwards, so a single head carries a white tip above a deep strawberry-red base.

Plant it as a specimen, in a mixed border, in a town courtyard or in a container on the terrace. A mature bush keeps to 1.5-2 m in height and 1-1.5 m in width and grows strictly upright on strong dark stems: it does not flop after a downpour and barely needs staking, unlike the older two-tone varieties.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The colours change before your eyes: from July to September the same bush travels from snow-white to strawberry-red.
• Dimensions: At 10 years it stands 1.5-2 m tall and 1-1.5 m wide.
• Hardiness: Takes down to -30 °C (USDA zone 4).
• Flowering: From July to September the panicles open: white at first, then flushing strawberry-red from the base.
• Light: It loves full sun and grows well in partial shade too; in heat it is partial shade that keeps the panicle colour best.
• Soil: Happiest on humus-rich, moderately moist, well-drained loam or clay, and it is indifferent to pH.
• Watering: Its water needs are moderate; in sun the soil should stay steadily moist and never dry out.
• Care: It flowers on the current year's shoots, so it responds gratefully to pruning in late winter or early spring.
• Landscape use: Striking as a specimen or in a group in a shrub border with perennials, and it grows well in a container too.
• Origin: The cultivar won bronze medals at Plantarium 2014 in Boskoop and Innovert at Salon du Vegetal 2015 in Angers; it is protected by plant breeders' rights.