Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea…

An addition I made to the front gardens in summer of 2010 has been one of my most favorite!  Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea.  I started off with just three at the corner bordering the street and picket fence.   However, once they started to bloom and show their beauty I went back for four more and planted those on the garden inside the fence.

These gorgeous plants start out as red branches with lime green leaves and the buds slowly start to open to white stunning flowers. 

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As the summer heat progresses, these flowers begin to bring on a soft pink hue into the blooms (this is my favorite part of the show!)

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As more summer heat comes. The bloom color becomes even more of a deep pink.

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And will finish the season with a strong and outstanding show of color with pink blooms until the colder weather arrives.

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This shrub grows in full sun!  Eventual height will be 6 to 7 feet high and spread 4 to 5 feet wide…which will be so fantastic to give us some privacy during the summer months and create some shade for the front gardens. However, I can cut it back to the height I choose without any problems!  I couldn’t have been happier this season with the performance of this shrub!  I look forward to seeing it again next year! 

I sure hope to see you link a garden post today at Cottage Flora Thursday’s and visit other participants to be inspired by all of the fantastic gardens being shared!  To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Comments

Sunray Gardens said…
Beautiful photos. Mine should have been close to that height. Also put in last year but things happen. Am looking forward to next year with it. I'm quite happy with the blooms for it being pruned so much this year. Yours really are lovely.
Cher Sunray Gardens
These are SO pretty! I don't blame you for planting more!! I love your picket fence...your house is really beautiful, Tracie!!

XO,
Jane
Suz said…
This a beautiful flower. I've never seen this variety before.
Love the hydrangeas along the fence!
Burlap Luxe said…
Its just beautiful girl! When do I move in??

I am really inspired to plant and fill my gardens with all you inspire over here :)

Thank you Tracie for the beautiful view into your front yard gardens:)
Your home stands proudly show off the beauty of the owners who live within.
xx
Dore
Cheers to the heart of your home.
Hi Tracie,
Your Hydrangea are beautiful! Love the soft color. Are they deer resistant? I need 3 more bushes for my front yard-that's where the deer like to hang out!
-Lynn
Becca's Dirt said…
Absolutely gorgeous. I love the changing to pink.
Oh, I love the Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas! I did link up to your Cottage Flora Thursday.
Barb
I am getting one, or two, or three, or ?? of these for sure! I LOVE the progression to full on pink! And full sun is always a good thing in my book :)

I'm noting this in my "ideas for next year section" of my garden journal!

~Chris
ANNE said…
So beautiful! Wish I could grow that here, but I'm in Zone 3 :(. I sure enjoy your photos of it though!
Lady Farmer said…
I have been considering this hydrangea but didn't know how it would preform here! I am so happy that you posted about it ~ I am definately going to get a couple for my garden! Now to find a spot that the deer won't get to them!
:~P
Those are gorgeous. The house looks pretty fabulous too!
Sandi said…
These are gorgeous Tracie!! I specifically asked for this kind at a garden center when I saw your previous post and they didn't have any. :( Bummed.
Blessings~
Linda said…
What a gprgeous plant to have in the garden. I can see why you went back and bought more.
Diana LaMarre said…
What a gorgeous hydrangea! They look great with your picket fence. You have a lovely home.
Hi Tracie
Hmm, I really like this hydrangea and may look for it to add to my collection. Such a pretty white to pink, I can see why you have so many!
I like the view of your house too, I would LOVE a white picket fence. Several years ago my small veggie garden had a lavender picket fence around it and my husband was so glad to get rid of it.
Judith
awal.ny said…
These are just beautiful. I love that they change colors and can withstand full sun.
Anonymous said…
Ooh, I love pink, and I've been wanting a hydrangea! I've written this down on my "Someday List".

Your house is gorgeous, too!

Love your site!
Shirley said…
I haven't heard of this hydrangea before and it is a knock out! LOVE IT! How hardy is it?
HolleyGarden said…
Oh, these are simply beautiful! You have just sold me! lol I'll be on the lookout for these - thanks for showcasing them.
Charlotte said…
I think those flowers are beautiful! Now I want to plant some:) They are just gorgeous!
Pamela said…
I have wanted one of these forever. Maybe this next year I can get one. Glad to know it is as gorgeous as advertised!
Unknown said…
oh my...how enchanting! truly...your home has soooo much curb appeal! like a B&B. can I stay a night???
Unknown said…
oh my...how enchanting! truly...your home has soooo much curb appeal! like a B&B. can I stay a night???
NanaDiana said…
Tracie- These are beautiful...and you have solved a mystery for us. A couple of weeks ago we were somewhere and SAW these plants...and I THOUGHT they looked like a hydrangea but none I had ever seen. They are just gorgeous! xo Diana
So beautiful, looks so gorgeous have a lovely weekend xx
ANGEL said…
beautiful hydrangeas! happy gardening!
~ANGEL
Unknown said…
Tracie, these are sooooo beautiful. I just love your home and garden and potography!
Gatsbys Gardens said…
Tracie,

I saw these at a local nursery. It is just great to see what they look like as they go through the progression of color.

Eileen
HIBISCUS HOUSE said…
These are absolutely gorgeous! I love them, have to get some. Thanks for sharing.
They are so beautiful, I have never heard of them before, only the normal hydranger. I wonder if we can get them here in Australia?
I love your home, it's so pretty. xx
Hi Tracie,
They are so lovely, an excellent addition to your garden.
What a performance of changing colour!
Beautiful!
Have a great weekend!
All the Best,
Chrisitne
Ricki Treleaven said…
Oh, my....I am loving the strawberry vanilla hydrangeas. I have never seen any before this post! I want some now. I wonder if they like hot weather.....
Darla said…
Doesn't this shrub live up to it's name?! Gorgoeus.
Unknown said…
Wonderful photos and I'm so glad you posted the name of them! I saw some in bloom last week and was going to do a search for them but you've solved that problem for me!
Your garden and picket fence is lovely!
Deb
Oh gosh, these are so pretty! I haven't seen them here. Did you order them? I noticed the leaves yellowed a bit in the last shot. Is this normal because my limelight has been doing that and it's the first time growing one. Just wondering.
Unknown said…
gorgeous images your house is so beautiful its so inviting & happy feeling & just utterly beautiful
Monica said…
Lovely hydrangeas. Up to now I have only known "Limelight" in that shape.
You've got a winner there with Vanilla Strawberry. Perfect placing outside the fence. That size inside the fence maybe overwhelming. Good luck with the project
Vicki Boster said…
Tracie - your home is gorgeous - what beautiful photos - love the hydrangea - you must have the most beautiful home and gardens in your neighborhood. Great photos!

Vicki
LA VIE EN ROSE said…
I love this hydrangea, I bought three and planted them inside my gate but they didn't come on as well as yours! Yours are stunning - maybe its too shady where I put them! the blooms I did get though were beautiful and like you I loved when they turned that gorgeous pink! So glad I found your blog!

Sharon

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