Hydrangea Vanilla Sky

A rather elegant, compact hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla Vanilla Sky is a small to medium-sized, deciduous shrub, with a rounded, strongly branched habit. The large, ovate leaves are mid-green. From July to September, the shrub bears flattened mophead flowers, which emerge greenish-cream and develop cream, less brash than some more vividly coloured hydrangeas, and a good foil for other flowers. Protect hydrangea Vanilla Sky from cold winter winds, and leave the dead flowerheads over winter to protect the new buds, removing them in spring to a pair of healthy buds.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Midsummer to early autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 335 (1-1.5m) Spread: 335 (1-1.5m)