Panicle hydrangea 'Vanille Fraise'

Hydrangea paniculata Vanille Fraise

One of the most famous, popular and beloved panicle hydrangea varieties in the world. The main feature of this classic is its enormous panicle inflorescences, which in shape and colour resemble a cone of strawberry-vanilla ice cream. The variety is prized for its incredible, dynamic colour change and its high reliability in cultivation.

• Bush size: A vigorous, spreading shrub. At 10 years of age the plant reaches 1.5-2.0 m in height and up to 1.5-1.8 m in diameter. It grows quickly. The shoots are strong, upright and dark burgundy, yet under the weight of the huge inflorescences the branches may bend gracefully during flowering, giving the bush a rounded shape.
• Inflorescences: Enormous, broadly-pyramidal, very large (up to 35-40 cm long), thick and dense.
• Flowering (the 'ice cream' effect): Long-lasting, from July to October. It opens a dazzling white, then the lower part of the inflorescence quickly turns a rich strawberry-pink shade while the top stays white. Closer to autumn the whole cap takes on a deep, juicy raspberry-red colouring.
• Foliage: Oval, rough, dark green, slightly pubescent; in autumn it may take on a light purple tint.
• Light requirements: Sun or light partial shade. In sunny spots the colour transition to pink-raspberry will be the brightest and most contrasting.
• Soil: Requires fertile, moist, well-drained soils with an acidic or slightly acidic reaction. Does not tolerate liming or prolonged waterlogging at the roots.
• Frost resistance: High (zone 4, down to -30°C). Completely frost-resistant throughout Ukraine; mature plants overwinter without cover.