Vanilla Strawberry vs Pinky Winky hydrangea
Two panicle hydrangeas sold for the same trick: cones that open white and turn pink from the base, so each head is two colours at once. 'Pinky Winky' has long, pointed, open heads on stiff stems that hold them upright even after rain. 'Vanilla Strawberry' has fuller, heavier heads that finish strawberry red, and their weight bends the stems outwards into an arching shrub.
 Panicle hydrangea 'Vanilla Strawberry'Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry' |  Panicle hydrangea 'Pinky Winky'Hydrangea paniculata 'DVP PINKY' (Pinky Winky) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6½ ft tall, 5 ft wide | 7 ft tall, 6½ ft wide |
| Plant | 4 ft apart | 6 ft apart |
| Zones | 3 to 8 | 3 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to part sun | Full sun to part sun |
| Soil | Evenly moist, average fertility | Evenly moist, average fertility |
| Flowers | Mid July to early October; white, pink, red | Mid July to early October; white, pink |
| Leaves | Medium, deciduous | Medium, deciduous |
| Job in a bed | Anchor | Anchor |
| Pets | Toxic (mild) | Toxic (mild) |
| Deer | Not listed as resistant | Not listed as resistant |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- On the record they are near twins: choose by the look you want.
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. What panicle hydrangea 'Pinky Winky' brings beside panicle hydrangea 'Vanilla Strawberry': in flower together for 12 weeks, from mid July; happy in the same moist soil. They share full sun and part sun and zones 3 to 8.
Read more: all about panicle hydrangea 'Vanilla Strawberry', and all about panicle hydrangea 'Pinky Winky', each with a bed the planner designed around it.