Notice
During the hot summer months, all plants are shipped in full leaf and active growth. While we take
great care in packing, transit heat and confinement can cause temporary shipping shock such as minor
leaf wilt or yellowing. This is normal and recovery begins once plants are watered and acclimated
after arrival. For best results, unpack immediately upon delivery and keep plants well-watered in a
shaded area for several days before planting. We highly recommend buying 2nd day air service for all
Quart size plants and trees, so they will arrive faster during the heat of summer.
Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea Standard Tree
Regular price
$99.99
Zone Map
First Editions®
Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea Standard Tree
Description
Strawberry Sundae® Hydrangea Standard Tree | Hydrangea paniculata 'Rensun' PP#25,438
First Editions® | Patio Tree Form | White-to-Strawberry Blooms | Zones 4-9
BEST VALUE: 3 Gallon Tree — Bigger Root System, Faster Establishment
Our 3 Gallon Strawberry Sundae® Standard Tree arrives with a more developed root system than the 2 Gallon, giving you a stronger start and faster establishment in the ground or a large patio container. Trained on a single trunk. This is the size serious gardeners choose.
Our 3 Gallon Strawberry Sundae® Standard Tree arrives with a more developed root system than the 2 Gallon, giving you a stronger start and faster establishment in the ground or a large patio container. Trained on a single trunk. This is the size serious gardeners choose.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY STARTER: 2 Gallon Tree — Same Genetics, Lower Entry Price
The 2 Gallon Standard Tree is the perfect way to get this stunning hydrangea tree into your garden at a lower price point. Same First Editions® genetics, same white-to-strawberry bloom sequence — just a younger tree ready to grow with you.
The 2 Gallon Standard Tree is the perfect way to get this stunning hydrangea tree into your garden at a lower price point. Same First Editions® genetics, same white-to-strawberry bloom sequence — just a younger tree ready to grow with you.
FILL MY BOX & SAVE — 15% Off When You Buy 2 or More
Buy 2 or more Strawberry Sundae® Standard Trees and save 15% automatically at checkout. Mix your sizes — pair a 3 Gallon with a 2 Gallon and create an instant layered patio display. Savings apply automatically. No code needed.
Buy 2 or more Strawberry Sundae® Standard Trees and save 15% automatically at checkout. Mix your sizes — pair a 3 Gallon with a 2 Gallon and create an instant layered patio display. Savings apply automatically. No code needed.
What This Plant Does For You
The Strawberry Sundae® Standard Tree transforms any patio, entryway, or garden bed into a four-season focal point. From summer through fall, the blooms shift from crisp white to deep strawberry-red — a color show that lasts for months. Dried flower heads persist into winter, giving you structure and interest long after other plants have gone dormant. Pollinators — bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds — are drawn to the large 8-10" panicles all season long. Compact by nature but full-sized in impact, this tree delivers professional landscape results in a manageable, container-friendly form.
Plant Highlights
- Botanical Name: Hydrangea paniculata 'Rensun' PP#25,438
- Brand: First Editions®
- Bloom Color: White aging to Strawberry-Red
- Bloom Size: 8-10" panicles
- Mature Height: 4-5'
- Mature Width: 3-4'
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Light: Full Sun
- Water: Occasional; water deeply and allow to dry slightly between watering's
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Reblooming: Yes
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes
- Drought Tolerant: Yes
- Fall/Winter Interest: Yes — dried blooms persist for months
- Grown By: The Plant Factory
Premium Features & Solutions
Standard tree hydrangeas are notoriously difficult to grow well — floppy branches, weak trunks, and blooms that droop under their own weight are common complaints. Strawberry Sundae® solves all of that. Its naturally compact, sturdy branching structure holds those massive 8-10" blooms upright without staking or support. The single-trunk standard form gives you the look of a mature specimen tree without the wait. Whether planted in a large patio container or directly in the landscape, this tree performs with minimal intervention.
Choose Your Size:
- 2 Gallon Tree (34-36" tall): Budget-friendly entry point. Same First Editions® genetics. Ready to grow and establish in your garden or container this season.
- 3 Gallon Tree (34-36" tall): Larger root system, faster establishment, more immediate visual impact. The preferred choice for landscape planting and large patio containers.
- 5 Gallon Tree typically (4-5' tall): Our most established specimen. Maximum root development and the most immediate landscape presence available.
Smart Growing Guide
Beginner — Step-by-Step
- Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
- Plant in well-draining soil or a large container with drainage holes.
- Water deeply at planting, then water thoroughly whenever the top 1-2" of soil feels dry.
- In early spring, do light shaping — remove any dead or crossing branches to maintain the tree form.
- Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer (we recommend SR-18-5-10) for strong growth and abundant blooms.
- Enjoy the bloom show from summer through fall — and leave the dried heads on through winter for added interest.
Advanced — Optimization Tips
- For container culture, use HI COTE 19-4-12 360-day timed-release fertilizer for consistent year-round feeding without the risk of over-fertilizing.
- Water containers until water runs freely from the drainage holes each time — this flushes salts and ensures deep root penetration.
- Prune in early spring only — Hydrangea paniculata blooms on new wood, so spring pruning will not sacrifice your bloom season.
- To maximize bloom size, remove the weakest 20-30% of stems at the base in early spring to redirect energy to fewer, larger panicles.
- Pair with Dwarf Mondo Grass, Blue Pacific Juniper, Foxtail Ferns, or Vinca vines in large containers for a layered, professional look.
- Dried panicles can be harvested in late fall for indoor arrangements — cut when fully transitioned to strawberry-red for best color retention.
Pro Tips for Maximum Impact
- Plant the 3 Gallon in a 15-20 gallon container for a patio specimen that can be moved and repositioned seasonally.
- Position near a window or seating area — the color transition from white to strawberry-red is a daily show worth watching up close.
- Leave dried flower heads on through winter — they provide structure, wildlife habitat, and visual interest in an otherwise dormant garden.
- Buy 2 trees and use the Fill My Box 15% savings to create a symmetrical entryway or flanking patio display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2 Gallon and 3 Gallon Strawberry Sundae® Standard Tree?
Both sizes are the same First Editions® Hydrangea paniculata 'Rensun' cultivar trained into a standard tree form. The 3 Gallon has a more developed root system, which means faster establishment and more immediate visual impact — especially important for landscape planting. The 2 Gallon is a great budget-friendly option that will catch up with proper care over one to two seasons.
How does the Fill My Box 15% savings work?
Add 2 or more Strawberry Sundae® Standard Trees to your cart in any size combination and the 15% discount applies automatically at checkout. No promo code needed.
Can I grow this hydrangea tree in a container?
Yes — it's one of the best hydrangeas for container culture. Use a pot with drainage holes, water deeply each time until water runs from the bottom, and fertilize with a slow-release formula. The 3 Gallon works well in a 15-20 gallon container; the 2 Gallon can start in a 10-15 gallon pot.
What is the bloom sequence for Strawberry Sundae®?
Blooms emerge white in early-to-mid summer, then gradually transition through cream and pink tones to a rich strawberry-red by late summer and fall. The dried flower heads persist through winter, providing months of additional interest.
Is Strawberry Sundae® Hydrangea deer resistant?
No — hydrangeas are generally palatable to deer. In high-pressure areas, use deer deterrent sprays or physical barriers, especially in the first season while the plant is establishing.
How much sun does this hydrangea tree need?
Full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates (Zones 7-9), some afternoon shade can help reduce heat stress while still producing excellent blooms.
When should I prune my Strawberry Sundae® Standard Tree?
Prune in early spring before new growth emerges. Since Hydrangea paniculata blooms on new wood, spring pruning will not affect your bloom season. Focus on light shaping, removing dead wood, and thinning weak stems to encourage larger blooms.
Is this plant safe for pets?
No — hydrangeas are toxic to dogs and cats. Keep pets away from the plant and fallen blooms.
What zones does Strawberry Sundae® Standard Tree grow in?
Zones 4-9. It is cold-hardy and heat-tolerant across a wide range of climates. In Zone 4, provide a sheltered location and consider mulching the root zone for winter protection.
How do I care for this tree after it arrives?
Unbox promptly, water thoroughly, and place in a sheltered spot with indirect light for 2-3 days to acclimate before moving to full sun. Plant or pot up within a few days of arrival for best results.
Take Action Now — Limited Availability on Standard Trees
Strawberry Sundae® Standard Trees are field-grown and hand-trained — supply is limited each season. Select your size above and add to cart today. Buy 2 or more and save 15% automatically at checkout.
Strawberry Sundae® Standard Trees are field-grown and hand-trained — supply is limited each season. Select your size above and add to cart today. Buy 2 or more and save 15% automatically at checkout.
Ordering & Shipping
Processing time is typically 1-3 days after your order is received. Orders placed after 4:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday ship the following Monday. We ship to the contiguous 48 states — we do not ship to AK, HI, or PR.
The Plant Factory offers industry-leading shipping processes to ensure your tree arrives healthy and ready to plant. During extreme heat (above 95°F) or cold (below 34°F), we may hold your order at our discretion until conditions are safe for transit — protecting your investment every step of the way.
Summer/Winter Shipping Restrictions: Summer above 95°F | Winter below 34°F
Note: The images and videos on our site are the best way to show off our products and show how good we are as growers. Depending on the season you buy, you may get a plant that is smaller or bigger than the picture shows. The plant might bloom like it does on our site, but it might not. We cut off the blooms most of the time because they don't ship well. When you buy our plants, think of them as an investment in your future garden, and enjoy the process of seeing it grow to its fullest.