Strawberry hydrangeas, scientifically known as Hydrangea macrophyla, generally bloom from late June to late July, depending on the particular variety. These plants typically bloom during the early to mid-summer season, and offer a unique mixture of pink, white and green flowers.
During early summer, the flowers are typically a pale pink or pale green that slowly darken with age. After a few weeks, the flowers turn a deep pinkish purple as they age, eventually fading to a tan or light brown color.
The Strawberry hydrangea is well suited to most locations, as they can handle a range of sun to partial shade, as well as different soil types including alkaline, acidic and neutral. They are well adapted to many climates, which allows them to flower in the summer time.
What time of year do hydrangeas start to bloom?
Hydrangeas generally start to bloom between mid-spring and early summer. Depending on the type of hydrangea, the blooming season can range from late April to late July. Varieties of hydrangeas that bloom in late April include the oakleaf hydrangea, the Thunberg’s hydrangea, and the smooth hydrangea.
Many late-season varieties of hydrangea enjoyed in home gardens, including the panicle (PeeGee) and the mophead (bigleaf) hydrangea, start to bloom in the summertime. These two varieties especially can last until the end of the summer months, providing ample blooms for your landscape.
How many years do hydrangeas live?
Hydrangeas are relatively hardy shrubs, and they can last for many years with proper care. Depending on the species, hydrangeas can live up to 40 years if properly cared for. The most common species of hydrangea, the smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), can live up to 20 years.
The mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) tend to be a bit shorter lived and may only live up to 10 years.
However, it is also important to note that environmental factors play a large role in how long hydrangeas live. Exposure to extreme temperatures and harsh weather can reduce a hydrangea’s lifespan. Additionally, certain diseases and pests can weaken the plant and reduce its lifespan significantly.
Proper watering and pruning are essential for maintaining the health of the plant and keeping it alive for the longest time possible.
What do hydrangeas look like when they start to bloom?
When hydrangeas start to bloom, they take on a magnificent look of fluffy blooms. Depending on the type of hydrangea, the blooms usually appear in an array of gorgeous pastel shades of pink, purple, blue and white.
The size and shape of the bloom also varies between types, with mophead hydrangeas having large rounded heads of petals, while lacecap hydrangeas feature a flat head of smaller petals and larger flowers in the center.
In addition, many hydrangeas feature large, serrated green leaves that give the shrub a beautiful texture and a unique shape. When in full bloom, hydrangeas are truly a sight to behold.
What happens if you don’t prune hydrangeas?
If you don’t prune hydrangeas, then you may find that the plant becomes overgrown and unmanageable. The extra branches, foliage and stems will require extra resources to support, such as light, nutrition and water, meaning other plants in your garden may suffer as a result.
Furthermore, the plant can suffer from a lack of air circulation, leading to diseases and pest infestation, while excess weight may topple or wind damage the stems. Unpruned hydrangeas may also bloom later and with fewer flowers, as the energy produced by the plant is being used to support the unnecessary growth.
Finally, without regular pruning it can be difficult to maintain the desired shape of the plant.
How fast does Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea grow?
Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Strawberry Vanilla’) is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 4-6 feet in height and up to 6-8 feet in width. This shrub has large, deep-green foliage and lovely, ivory-colored blooms that age to a combination of pink, blue and a deep purple.
Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea blooms around late spring to early summer, and the blooms remain on the plant until winter.
When given the right conditions, Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea is a fast-growing plant. Under ideal conditions, this shrub can grow up to 1-2 feet of growth in one season. Plants should be planted in full sunlight to partial shade in moist, slightly acidic soils with good drainage.
To yield the best results, keep the soil evenly moist and add an organic mulch to help with moisture retention and provide rich nutrients for the plant. Fertilizing the plant regularly guarantees optimum health and beauty.
What kind of Hydrangea is Strawberry vanilla?
Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea is a hybrid shrub in the Hydrangea family and is scientifically known as Hydrangea macrophylla ‘S Strawberry Vanilla’. This Hydrangea is a hardy and deciduous flowering shrub that features large, vibrant blooms that vary from somewhat strawberry-pink to a creamy white and creamy-pink blend.
When the shrub is in full bloom, the dark green, glossy foliage brings out the intensity of the flowers. The Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea grows in a rounded, mounded shape and reaches an average height of 2-3 feet and an approximately equal width.
This vigorous grower is very low maintenance and performs best when planted in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It blooms on current year’s growth, so you don’t need to worry about removal of old flower clusters in the fall to stimulate blooming the following year.
This particular Hydrangea is very popular in home gardens, especially in mass plantings, and makes an ideal accent shrub combined with other perennials.
When should I cut back my Strawberry vanilla Hydrangea?
It is important to begin cutting back your Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea in late winter, before the buds start to appear. This helps to ensure that the bush does not become too overcrowded, which can lead to poor flowering and discourage overall growth.
With pruning shears, remove any branches that are excessively long or rub up against each other. It is also important to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Make sure not to remove more than 1/3 of the entire bush at once to ensure it remains healthy and vigorous.
Finally, as the summer progresses, regularly trim and shape your Hydrangea to maintain its desired shape by removing dead and damaged branches as they occur.
What is the difference between strawberry sundae hydrangea and Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea?
Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea is an interspecific hybrid of two different species of Hydrangea: Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata. It has big beautiful blooms in a combination of strawberry pink, cream, and deep pink that resemble an ice cream sundae.
It is a perfect addition to any home or garden, as it is easy to care for and blooms for several months each year.
Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea is also an interspecific hybrid, but it is slightly different from Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea. The blooms of this variety are more uniform in color and they contain a combination of delicate pastel pink, white and creamy pink.
As with the Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea, the Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea is low maintenance, easy to care for and produces an abundance of blooms each year. However, the blooms last a bit longer, making it a great choice for those who want to extend the blooming season in their gardens.
How do you care for strawberries and cream hydrangeas?
The care for strawberries and cream hydrangeas includes a few basic steps. First, they should be planted in an area with a well-draining soil, in full sun to partial shade, and in an area that receives protection from wind.
Strawberries and cream hydrangeas are moderately drought tolerant, but regular watering will help them to maintain their vibrant blooms and prevent the edges from turning brown. Additionally, fertilizing twice a year (in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer and then again in late summer or early fall with an organic fertilizer) will help promote strong and healthy growth.
Pruning should be done right after the flowers have faded in late summer and will help shape the plant and encourage frequent blooming. Cutting off old stems promotes flowering, and also helps keep the plant looking its best.
Strawberries and cream hydrangeas are known to be resistant to most pests and diseases, although using proper pruning techniques and adequate irrigation will help prevent any issues.