Watch this Southern bloom put on a colorful show throughout the summer.
When a homeowner stumbles upon a landscaping problem,hydrangeasare always a trusty solution.
Looking for an essential Southern flower to bring a garden to life?
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Wanting alow-maintenance perennial shrubthat thrives in full sun?
Hoping to boost curb appeal with colorful, heat-tolerant blooms?
There’s a whole lot to love about the South’s favorite flower.
They’re also winter-hardy and provide color through fall.
Passersby will stop in their tracks on the sidewalk to marvel at the ombre-colored hydrangeas blooming throughout your landscape.
Plant these fast growers in early fall or early spring after the chance for frost has passed.
Before adding to your yard, keep in mind that hydrangeas are toxic to pets and people.
Caring for this shrub is fairly easy.
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade and provide medium moisture.
Spring and fall are thebest times to plant.
Add a layer ofmulchto conserve moisture in dry areas.
Soil pH levels do not affect the color of thisvariety of hydrangea.
Light
Give these hydrangeas at least six hours offull sunfor the best color and blooms.
They need morning sun and afternoon shade in hotter climates.
This hydrangea variety needs heavy watering once a week during hot weather in the summer.
Continuing watering will promote flowering.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Strawberry Sundae’ hydrangeas can be grown inUSDA Zones3-8.
They can withstand colder climates, and their white flowers turn topinkand then red as the temperatures cool.
In summer, they are drought-tolerant and tolerate the heat when given morning sun and afternoon shade.
Because its flowers are sterile, it does not produce seeds.
Use a large container at least 16 inches wide with drainage holes.
Fill the bottom of the container with potting soil with some compost added.
Water the plant well and add a layer of mulch around the base.
Water potted hydrangeas more often than those in the ground as they dry out faster.
Soapy water or natural pesticide will help you tackle the problem.
Overwatering and too much shade can cause or worsen these diseases.
To treat:Spray with fungicides and improve ventilation within and around the plant.
Rake up, remove, and dispose of any diseased debris around the plant.
Water near the roots of the plant rather than over the top of it.
Later, as nighttime temperatures begin to cool off, the color will start changing to rosy pink.
The blooms will keep transitioning to a deep strawberry red by fall.
Snip blooms right before their peak for longer-lasting cut arrangements.
‘Strawberry Sundae’ hydrangeas can also be grown incontainers.
Common Problems With ‘Strawberry Sundae’
Strawberry Sundae hydrangeas dont have a lot ofcommon problems.
They are low-maintenance and grow well in containers where soil conditions arent suitable.
Watch for yellowing or browning leaves.
Leaves Turning Yellow
This can indicate watering or airflow issues.
The plant may need more water.
Check the top 2 inches of the soil for moisture.
If the plant is dry, it needs more water but not so much that the soil remains soggy.
Another cause for yellowing leaves is airflow.
Thin out some branches to allow for better air circulation and don’t plant too close to other plants.
Leaves Turning Brown
Browning leaves could be a sign of disease.
If the leaves have brown spots, leaf spot or anthracnose could be the cause.
Treat the shrub with fungicide and water at the roots instead of over the plant and onto the leaves.
Its flowers start white and turn pink and then red.
Vanilla Strawberry grows to 6-8 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
It has more flowers and produces both white and pink blooms at the same time.
Insufficient pruning can also be a factor.
When pruning, remove any thin or weak branches.
Over fertilizing can also lead to fast growth and spindly branches that arent strong enough to hold the flowers.
Test the soil before fertilizing to see if it needs nutrients.
Cooler temperatures are responsible for the flowers changing from white to pink.
If nighttime temperatures remain warm, the color change may be delayed.
Once temperatures cool, the color should change.
NC State Extension.Hydrangea paniculata.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Hydrangea.
