Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea

If Hydrangeas are classic summer-blooming shrubs, then the Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Strawberry Sundae) is a classic with a delicious twist. With its compact growth habit and deep-red stems, this leafy shrub produces large, cone-shaped, creamy-white blooms in the summer, which gradually turn bubblegum pink before deepening into strawberry red. At 4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, this variety of Hydrangea is smaller than many, easily fitting into a sunny garden or container. Given plenty of light and water, the Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea will sweeten your garden all summer long. Like most Panicle Hydrangeas, Strawberry Sundae will thrive in full sun and enjoys regular water. Hydrangeas are lovely as fresh-cut or dried flowers and add winter interest when left on the plant. With its red stems, Strawberry Sundae is particularly interesting in the winter after its leaves have dropped. While Hydrangeas can benefit from occasional pruning and cutting back, Strawberry Sundae is a petite shrub, making it lower maintenance than some of the larger Panicle Hydrangea varieties. Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea Care Hydrangeas grow best in well-draining, moist soil. To plant this shrub, dig a hole that is twice the width and equal depth as the root ball. Panicle Hydrangeas like the Strawberry Sundae will grow and flower best in full sun. In hotter climates, however, providing Hydrangeas with a bit of shade in the afternoon can prevent them from drying out or burning. Add a decent layer of mulch around Hydrangeas to aid in moisture retention. Fertilize Strawberry Sundae in the early spring with a slow-release fertilizer that encourages blooming. The Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea produces its blooms on new wood. For this reason, pruning can take place if necessary in the spring as the plant begins to grow and produce leaves. When planted in a container, be sure to water Hydrangeas regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. If the lowest leaves are drooping and yellow, it is possible that the shrub is experiencing drought or heat stress. Without adequate light, the Strawberry Sundae may not produce flowers or grow as vigorously. Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea Spacing Plant the Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea about 4 feet from the center of the nearest plant to ensure that it has space to grow to its natural size. To create a beautiful strawberry-red, blooming hedge or mass planting, plant these Hydrangeas slightly closer together. Because they are smaller shrubs, you can plant the Strawberry Sundae in a large container, using well-draining, high-quality soil. Place the container in plenty of sunlight, and water it regularly.