Zinfin Doll Hydrangea vs. Vanilla Strawberry

Hydrangeas have huge bloom heads and exude an old-fashioned elegance. These exquisite plants are simple to grow, withstand nearly any sort of soil, and produce an abundance of blossoms that are unmatched in the world of shrubs for their stunning flowers.

Two particular cultivars of the hydrangea plant include the classic zinfin doll hydrangea and the newer vanilla strawberry hydrangea. Both of these plants are extremely similar to one another, but they do differ in a few ways. Regardless, both of these hydrangea varieties would look beautiful in your own garden!

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the zinfin doll hydrangea and the vanilla strawberry hydrangea, as well as some key features and growth tips for both of these gorgeous flowers.

Comparing Zinfin Doll Hydrangea vs. Vanilla Strawberry

The Key Differences Between Zinfin Doll Hydrangea and Vanilla Strawberry

While these two beautiful hydrangeas are part of the same species, they do have some differences worth noting.

To start, the zinfin doll hydrangea does not get quite as large as the vanilla strawberry variety and boasts less of a fountain shape, mostly due to the lighter weight of its flowers.

In addition to size differences, the zinfin doll hydrangea boasts flowers that can become a darker red hue over the lighter-hued vanilla strawberry hydrangea. The vanilla strawberry variety is also a much newer cultivar than the older zinfin doll variety.

The zinfin doll hydrangea can handle partial shade, while the vanilla strawberry hydrangea does best only in full sun. The vanilla strawberry can also bloom in summer and fall, while the zinfin doll only blooms in the summer.

Zinfin Doll Hydrangea vs. Vanilla Strawberry: Classification

Both the zinfin doll hydrangea and the vanilla strawberry hydrangea are the same species of plant but are each different varieties. They are the species hydrangea paniculata, a flowering plant that is part of the hydrangeaceae family. As members of this family, these two varieties of hydrangea are relatives of the climbing hydrangea, ashy hydrangea, Japanese hydrangea vine, and many more. The zinfin doll hydrangea is classified as hydrangea paniculata ‘Zinfin Doll’. The vanilla strawberry hydrangea is classified as hydrangea paniculata ‘Renhy’.

Zinfin Doll Hydrangea vs. Vanilla Strawberry: Description

The zinfin doll hydrangea is a panicle hydrangea that resembles the well-known vanilla strawberry panicle hydrangea in appearance. It provides the landscape with two-toned flower heads: mature dark pink-reddish blooms provide interest in the fall, while young white blossoms first become pink from base to tip. It is a cold-tolerant plant that may be cultivated as a shrub or a small tree. These hydrangeas grow quickly; some may reach heights of up to 24 inches in only one year. USDA hardiness zones three through eight are suitable for growing them.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Renhy,’ a well-known hydrangea cultivar, is known commercially as vanilla strawberry. This plant undergoes floral color changes as the summer progresses. Initially white, the flowers rapidly change to a light pink stage before maturing into strawberry red. But because the flower head’s color does not change consistently throughout, it develops a two-color pattern. Over time, the pink hue deepens until all that is left is a really appealing pinkish-red. USDA hardiness zones three through eight are suitable for growing them.

Zinfin Doll Hydrangea vs. Vanilla Strawberry: Uses

Both the zinfin doll hydrangea and the vanilla strawberry hydrangea are used as ornamental plants, as all varieties of this species are used. Different leaf, bloom, and growth traits, as well as environmental tolerance, are displayed by different hydrangea species. They come in many shapes and sizes, from little trees and bushes to vines. Fall colors on certain species are spectacular. Every cultivar of hydrangea has large, attractive blooms. As a result, they are mostly utilized in flower beds and as eye-catching accents in landscaping.

Hydrangeas have a long history of usage in traditional folk medicine in addition to ornamental uses. For hundreds of years, hydrangea root has been used to treat urinary problems such as kidney and bladder stones, enlarged prostates, and infections of the prostate and bladder. It is further applied to hay fever.

Zinfin Doll Hydrangea vs. Vanilla Strawberry: Origin

More than 75 species of blooming plants of the hydrangea genus are indigenous to Asia and the Americas. Eastern Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan, has by far the highest species variety.

The Grand Haven, Michigan-based Proven Winners ColorChoice company invented the zinfin doll hydrangea. Jean Renault created the vanilla strawberry hydrangea in France.

Zinfin Doll Hydrangea vs. Vanilla Strawberry: How to Grow

Because they have shallow roots, zinfin doll hydrangea seeds might benefit from a thick covering of mulch and lots of sunshine. At the northern and southern ends of their hardiness zones, respectively, cultivate these shrubs in full sun and moderate shade. Make sure the soil drains well. Before planting, add compost to the soil to promote drainage if the soil is poorly drained. Although the water requirements for this cultivar are modest, you should irrigate it to maintain continuously wet soil. Avoid flooding the soil. Every year, in the spring, fertilize hydrangea shrubs with compost or manure tea. If you want to treat zinfin doll hydrangeas as a multi-branched shrub, cut back their growth by approximately a third every year in late winter or early spring. In addition to keeping the bush compact, this small act of landscape upkeep also encourages new growth.

The vanilla strawberry hydrangea performs best when planted in full sun, well-drained soil. Plant the shrub at the same height as it was in the nursery container in a hole that is at least twice as wide as the nursery container. Backfill and then thoroughly water. Give lots of room between shrubs as this plant can swiftly grow to a diameter of five feet. In direct sunlight, this cultivar blooms voluminously. Plants will get excessively leggy and produce fewer flowers if they do not receive at least six hours of direct sunshine each day. If given the option, they would choose to take advantage of the early sun. Good drainage is the most important soil need for vanilla strawberry hydrangeas. Any soil composition will work after that. Water it if necessary during summer droughts and/or hot weather spells because a lack of water may result in fewer blossoms.

Zinfin Doll Hydrangea vs. Vanilla Strawberry: Special Features

The zinfin doll hydrangea is known for growing a wide range of flower colors, all the way up to a rich red. The vanilla strawberry hydrangea is known for its soft, white-to-pink blooms. Both of these plants are deciduous shrubs that can be pruned into virtually any desired shape, making them excellent plants to grow ornamentally or in landscaping.

Both the zinfin doll and vanilla strawberry hydrangeas are elaborate, beautiful beauties that display color for months. They both have a potential spread of many feet and exquisite flowers all over the bushes. They are resilient to even the worst winters, produce eye-catching mophead blooms, and make excellent cut flowers for floral arrangements. Keep in mind that hydrangeas can be slightly poisonous and should be kept away from pets.

When it comes down to it, the zinfin doll and vanilla strawberry hydrangeas are almost identical plants with very small differences. If you are looking for a hydrangea with darker red blooms, opt for the zinfin doll variety. If you’re looking for something that blooms in the fall, the vanilla strawberry variety may be the right choice for you. However, there’s nothing stopping you from planting both of these lovely hydrangeas in the same garden!

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