Paniculate hydrangea [Vanille Fraise] Hydrangea paniculata Vanille Fraise = 'Renhy' (PBR)

Water

The Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Renhy') requires consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, with modifications made for rainfall and temperature. During hot or dry weather, increase watering to twice per week. Each watering session should provide about 1 inch of water, which amounts to roughly 0.62 gallons per square foot or about 2.5 gallons for an average-sized plant. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, but also to avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting is one that receives direct morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. This ensures the flowers do not get scorched while the plant receives enough light for optimal growth and blooming.

Temperature

The Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F but performs best in areas where the average minimum winter temperature is between 20°F to 30°F. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F during the growing season. Extreme heat can be detrimental, so if temperatures exceed 86°F, providing shade and extra water will help the plant cope with the stress.

Pruning

Pruning Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea in late winter or early spring promotes healthy growth and abundant blooms. Remove old, dead wood and about one-third of the oldest stems to encourage new, vigorous growth. Pruning also helps maintain the plant's shape and size. The best time for pruning is just before the plant breaks dormancy, after the worst of the winter cold has passed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea thrives best in well-draining, moist soil with high organic matter content. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant. A good soil mix can be made with equal parts of garden soil, compost, and peat moss or well-rotted leaf mold to ensure proper drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Vanilla Strawberry hydrangeas typically do not need to be repotted often as they are outdoor plants. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot to ensure adequate root space and soil nutrients.

Humidity & Misting

Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea prefers an environment with average to high humidity. It does not have specific humidity requirements but thrives in conditions that mimic its natural habitat, which typically includes moist air.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, moist, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

'Vanille Fraise' Hydrangeas begin their life cycle as dormant bare-root plants or as young plants with a rudimentary root system housed in containers. Upon planting, they enter a growth phase, developing extensive root systems and foliage during the spring. As summer progresses, they start to bloom, showcasing large, cone-shaped flower panicles that transition from white to a striking pink or strawberry hue. Following the flowering period, which lasts through late summer into fall, the plant's flowers may fade to beige and the leaves will eventually fall off as the plant enters dormancy during the winter months. Throughout the growing season, 'Vanille Fraise' Hydrangeas will undergo vegetative growth and may require pruning in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and improve flowering. As perennials, these Hydrangeas will repeat this cycle yearly, maturing and potentially expanding in size with each successive season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter to early spring

• The Hydrangea paniculata 'Renhy', commonly known as Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from the new growth of the plant in late spring to early summer when the stems are still tender and flexible. A 4-6 inch cutting is snipped just below a leaf node, where a pair of leaves attach to the stem. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with moistened potting mix or a 50:50 mix of peat and perlite. To maintain high humidity, a plastic bag or a propagation dome can be placed over the pot, careful to keep the plastic from touching the leaves. The cutting should be kept in indirect light and consistently moist until roots have formed, which typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. After rooting, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.