Hydrangea paniculata 'Berry White’

Hydrangea paniculata 'Berry White': Summer Colour That Deepens with the Season

'Berry White' is a showstopping panicle hydrangea that begins summer with creamy white blooms before transforming to rich shades of pink and deep berry-red as the season progresses. Its strong, upright stems hold large, cone-shaped flower heads well above the foliage, ensuring a tidy, striking presence in the landscape. With its gradual colour shift and long bloom time, this hydrangea adds bold structure and vibrant energy from mid-summer into fall.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft)
• Spread: 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft)
• Flower Colour: White aging to deep pink and wine red
• Flowering Period: Mid-summer to fall
• Foliage: Medium green; deciduous
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Berry White' is ideal for use as a focal shrub in sunny borders, mixed hedges, or foundation plantings. Its dramatic flower heads add height, movement, and seasonal interest, while also being excellent for fresh or dried cut flower arrangements.

Care Instructions: Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during dry periods. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage strong blooming. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flower production.

History: Developed by Jean Renault in France and introduced by Bailey Nurseries, 'Berry White' is a natural mutation of 'Vanilla Strawberry' selected for its improved stem strength, colour intensity, and garden performance.

Final Thoughts: With its vivid colour transformation and reliable structure, 'Berry White' brings bold late-season beauty and undeniable curb appeal to the summer garden.