How to prune panicle hydrangea 'vanilla strawberry'

Late winter to early spring, before buds swell (February–March). Cut each stem back by roughly one-third of its length to a healthy outward-facing bud. Remove any dead, crossing, or rubbing branches at the base first.

Annually. Yes, annual pruning encourages larger blooms. Vanilla Strawberry blooms on new wood, so you can prune hard in late winter to early spring without risk of losing flowers. Cut stems back by about one-third. This drives vigorous new growth that carries the large panicles the cultivar is known for.

Cut each stem back by roughly one-third of its length to a healthy outward-facing bud. Remove any dead, crossing, or rubbing branches at the base first.