Hydrangea paniculata 'Strawberry Sundae' (Panicle Hydrangea)

Hydrangea paniculata 'Strawberry Sundae' (Panicle Hydrangea), 'Strawberry Sundae', is valued for its summer flower heads, bold foliage, and seasonal interest in PNW gardens.

Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is the cold-hardy summer workhorse , cone-shaped white flower panicles that age to pink or red on a vigorous, sun-tolerant shrub. Many tree-form (standard) cultivars are available. Among the easiest hydrangeas to grow.

Full sun to part sun suits this species. Plant in moist, well-drained soil. Hardy USDA Zone 3 to 8. Blooms on NEW WOOD , prune hard in late winter or early spring to encourage strong flowering. Tolerates more sun than other hydrangeas. Generally trouble-free.

Hydrangeas are not native to the PNW. For a similar large-flowering shrub from the regional flora, consider Holodiscus discolor (Oceanspray) , graceful summer-blooming PNW native with cascading panicles of cream-white flowers, supporting native bees and birds.