Vanille Fraise Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanille Fraise' (Renhy)
Height
150–200 cm
Flower size
25–30 cm (panicle)
Bloom time
July – October
Light
Sun / Partial Shade
Watering
Very Abundant
Hardiness
Zone 4 (up to -34°C)
Fragrance
Honey-like, noticeable
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Stunning color transition: white -> soft pink -> wine-red
- Blooms on current year's growth (guaranteed flowers)
- High hardiness, winters without cover in temperate zones
- Fast growth and longevity (lives up to 40 years)
Disadvantages
- Huge flower heads may droop after rain (requires tying)
- Demanding of soil moisture (flowers shrink in drought)
- Wakes up late in spring (gardeners often fear it died)
Use in Landscape Design
Vanille Fraise is a top specimen plant. One mature bush on a lawn replaces a whole flowerbed. Excellent in hedges (plant 1-1.2m apart). Ideal neighbors are conifers as they also like acidic soil and provide a dark backdrop for the pink cones.
Variety Description: Strawberry Sundae
The most recognizable French panicle hydrangea. Pyramid-shaped panicles, huge (up to 30-40 cm). Blooming starts in July as creamy-white. Gradually, from bottom to top, the panicle turns pink. Peak beauty is August: white top ('vanilla') and rich pink bottom ('strawberry'). By October, it turns entirely burgundy.
Planting and Soil (Acidity)
Hydrangeas are 'water vessels.' Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Full shade results in weak blooms. Soil: Strictly acidic or slightly acidic (pH 4.5–5.5). NEVER add ash, lime, or chalk — it will kill the plant. Planting mix: peat, pine needles, fertile soil, and sand (2:1:2:1).
Watering and Mulching
Cannot live without water. In heat — at least 2 buckets twice a week. Mulch the root zone with pine bark or peat (5-10 cm) to retain moisture and maintain acidity.
Pruning: The Secret to Giant Cones
Panicle hydrangeas bloom on current year's wood. 1. Spring Pruning (March-April): Hard pruning is key! Leave only 2–3 pairs of buds from last year's growth. Remove all thin 'spindly' branches. The harder you prune, the larger the flowers will be.
Feeding for Color
These don't change color with aluminum salts (unlike Bigleaf); pink is genetic. But brightness depends on acidity. Water with acidified water (citric acid or specialized fertilizers) every 2 weeks. Spring — Nitrogen; summer — K-P.
Wintering
Mature bushes don't need cover. Main danger is snow-load. Brittle branches can snap, so cut off dried flower heads in autumn and tie the bush together.