Hydrangea paniculata Little Fraise

Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Fraise' is a variety of very compact and decorative paniculate hydrangea that in summer produces large inflorescences in generous white-green cones, which develop a pink shadow as the season progresses. These opulent flowers are supported on short and robust stems. This tolerant hydrangea will grow in any fertile and drained soil that is not too dry. It is a small shrub that will create a sensation when isolated in a pot, but also planted en masse in the sun or in partial shade.

The 'Little Fraise' hydrangea belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, and its multitude of hydrangeas of varied colours and shapes. Paniculate hydrangeas come from the Far East, from Japan to southern China. Their distinctive feature is to produce in summer large conical inflorescences (panicles), often shaded purple, which are supported on stiff or arched branches. In wild varieties, white fertile flowers (tiny and petal-less) and sterile flowers (with large, visible petals) coexist. In horticultural varieties, it is most often the sterile flowers that develop and bring a welcome generosity. They appreciate the sun provided it is not too scorching, or partial shade.

'Little Fraise' is a very compact and ramified variety, which will not exceed 80 cm (31.5 in) in height and about 50 cm (19.7 in) in width. From June or July, it produces, on short erect stems, large elongated white and pale green cones. As the flowering period progresses, an increasingly noticeable pink shadow sets in. They then gradually fade, like paper, remaining beautiful until autumn - or even later if the weather is mild. In mid-autumn, the ovate and thick leaves take on magnificent orange-yellow hues before falling.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Fraise' is rather accommodating: very hardy, it is content with any good, well-drained garden soil that is not too acidic or too calcareous. It can withstand temporary droughts once well rooted, although it does not appreciate extreme heat that sometimes causes its flowering to be terminated prematurely. After a few years, its growth is quite rapid and its branches can grow by more than 60 cm (23.6 in) per year, especially after hard pruning. Unlike Hydrangea macrophylla (the "true" hydrangea) H. paniculata bloom on the year's wood, which means that they can be pruned even in spring without compromising the year's flowering.

Its compactness allows it to be used in small gardens, where it will make an exceptional subject when isolated, but in larger grounds you can plant it en masse for a spectacular effect. It will also be perfect in a pot on a terrace or a large balcony, provided that you remember to water it from time to time. You can combine it with other varieties of hydrangeas, such as the larger Great Star Le Vasterival, which produces larger sterile flowers, or Bobo (a dwarf variety). Other small shrubs will accompany it wonderfully, such as Abelia 'Pastel Charm', Berberis 'Rosy Glow', Daphne 'Pink Fragrance' or Cotinus 'Lilla'.