Vanille Frise Hydrangea is a very decorative bouquet-type variety. The shrub with an upright habit reaches about 2 m in height and 1.5 m in width. It is characterized by red shoots and beautiful large flowers reaching even up to 40 cm in length. These flowers, initially white, quickly turn pink. The plant is completely frost-hardy.

Care and requirements: It prefers a sunny to lightly shaded location, sheltered from the wind, and light, humus-rich soils with a slightly acidic reaction. It also develops well in average garden soil. Hydrangeas should be planted in a location that is as moist as possible, and during drought they should be watered abundantly. Fertilization, as with most hydrangeas, is best done alternately with acidifying fertilizers.

Blooming: The hydrangea blooms on one-year-old shoots, with very numerous, huge (up to 40 cm) stunning flowers. Initially they are white, but their color quickly changes to an intense pink and even red. It blooms very abundantly from July to October. The leaves of this variety are rough, serrated, and green, adding to the shrub's appeal when it is not yet covered with flowers.

Pruning: The flowers appear on young shoots, so it should be pruned in early spring by shortening the shoots by 1/3 of their length. This is a rejuvenating pruning intended to remove old and dry shoots. Every few years, it is recommended to cut the plants down to 30-50 cm above the ground in order to renew them.

Application: This is a very striking shrub that blooms for a long time and beautifully. It can be planted in gardens, where it presents interestingly against a lawn background. Hydrangea flowers are ideal as cut flowers. After drying, they can be used to create "dry bouquets." It also composes beautifully in oriental gardens. It can be planted individually or in groups.