Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
New
Hydrangea
'Fraise Melba'
panicled hydrangea
Hydrangea 'Fraise Melba' looks as though it’s been dipped in a summer dessert—soft white ice-cream shades melting into deep strawberry red tones as the season ripens. This panicled hydrangea bears dense, conical clusters of flowers that open pale green, turn creamy white, and finally blush a rich pink-red from the base upwards, creating a delicious two-tone effect. The blooms appear from late summer and continue well into autumn, each panicle a masterclass in gradual colour transformation. Hydrangea 'Fraise Melba' grows into a well-shaped shrub with lush green foliage, perfect for adding structure and elegance to borders or large containers.
Easy-going yet sophisticated, Hydrangea paniculata 'Fraise Melba' thrives in full sun or partial shade and is remarkably hardy—more than capable of standing up to a typical British winter. Its strong, upright stems hold the impressive flower heads beautifully, even after heavy rain, and the fading blooms look just as charming as they dry on the plant. Whether used to punctuate a mixed border or as a stand-alone feature near a patio, Hydrangea 'Fraise Melba' has that rare mix of reliability and flair. It’s one of those plants that quietly takes centre stage, proving that a little sweetness and a good structure can go a very long way in any garden.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Hydrangea paniculata Fraise Melba ('Renba'ᴾᴮᴿ)
- Flower colour
- Deep red, pink
- Established height
- 1.2-2m
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 4 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Fragrant
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
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From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
