Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea
The vanilla strawberry hydrangea is a beauty in the garden with its cone-shaped, creamy white blooms that transform to a deep, strawberry pink as they mature—truly living up to its delicious name. But wait, don’t confuse it with its smaller cousin, strawberry sundae, which grows just 4-5 feet tall. The vanilla strawberry is a bit larger, and if you want it to thrive, here’s what you need to know.
Panicle hydrangeas bloom on new stem growth, so it’s essential to prune your vanilla strawberry hydrangea in late fall or early spring before any new growth begins. Pruning at the wrong time—late spring or early summer—could mean cutting off the very stems that will produce flowers, which would reduce the number of blooms. Aim to prune about one-third of the plant annually, which encourages healthy branching and helps prevent fungal diseases by allowing good air circulation.
You can choose to grow your Vanilla Strawberry as a multi-stem shrub, showcasing its fullness and natural shape. Or, for a tree-like appearance, select a straight central leader stem and prune away the side stems to create that classic single trunk. Either way, this hydrangea will reward you with show-stopping summer/fall blooms set on the season’s fresh growth.
A balance in pruning is key—while heavy pruning can lead to larger, more dramatic flowers, it may also reduce the overall number of blooms. So, whether you're after a lush, bushy display or fewer, but bigger, blossoms, the choice is yours!
Garden observations
Before the seed heads even begin to develop in the later days of fall, I've often found myself spending afternoons among my zinnias—especially in early October. I watch as bees dart from bloom to bloom, a Painted Lady butterfly fluttering past, and, occasionally, a sphinx moth making a special appearance. These are the kinds of moments that seem to pause time, where nature puts on its finest performance, and all I need to do is sit back and enjoy the spectacle.
Planting large groupings of nectar-rich flowers like zinnias becomes even more valuable at the season's end. The variety of life they attract never ceases to amaze me. Sure, the garden might look a little untamed, but that’s the charm. There’s purpose in the wildness, and the wildlife seems to appreciate it all the more.
Bumble bee on autumn crocus/Monika Rekola photo
Painted Lady butterfly on Zinnia/Monika Rekola photo
Hummingbird moth feeding on Zinnias/Monika Rekola photo
Birds - Wildlife - Leave Those Seed Heads!
Birds–chirping, whistling, and singing—are integral contributors to the daily symphony of garden sounds. Their presence is also a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Attract them by using the right combination of flowering plants and focusing on a succession of blooms and seeds. The end result will be a beautiful landscape and a smorgasbord for birds.
As the seasons change, I used to think my garden needed a big cleanup to look “proper” for winter. But guess what? The best thing I can do for my little feathered friends and the rest of the critters is... do nothing! Those dried seed heads you’re itching to trim? Leave ‘em. They’re a lifeline in this crazy, unpredictable world we’re living in.
With climate change throwing everything out of whack—warmer winters, weird cold snaps—birds like goldfinches and chickadees are sticking around longer. The food they usually rely on in nature isn’t showing up when it should, but leaving plants like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and sunflowers standing means these birds have a steady food source when they need it most.
And it’s not just seeds they’re after. Those dried-up plants also house insects that overwinter in the stems, which means come spring, birds will have a protein-packed buffet ready for their chicks.
Even in the face of brutal cold or an unexpected snowfall, the seed heads stay sturdy, offering both food and shelter.
Top plants for seed heads
If you’re looking for some low-maintenance, big-impact blooms that double as bird feeders, annuals are the way to go. They’re colourful, they’re cheerful and they just keep on giving.
Zinnias and cosmos are fall garden staples, blooming until the first frost. Not only do they bring a riot of colour to your garden, but their seed heads are packed with nutrients that birds love. Leave those blooms standing through the fall, and watch finches and sparrows come calling.
Cosmos and Zinnia flowers and seed heads/Monika Rekola photo
Bee Balm isn’t just about those striking, wild blooms in shades of red, pink, and purple. It’s a magnet for hummingbirds in the summer, and by fall, its seed heads are perfect for songbirds. Leave them standing and watch chickadees and finches snack away.
Purple coneflowers, a keystone species for birds, offer tall seed heads that look stunning and also support local pollinators.
Black-eyed Susans: These easy-to-grow flowers bring a cheerful burst of yellow to your garden. But the real magic happens after they bloom – their seed heads are a goldmine for birds. Finches, chickadees and sparrows will happily snack on them well into the fall.
Sunflowers: Few plants draw birds in like sunflowers. From towering giants to dwarf varieties, their seeds are an irresistible snack for jays, cardinals, goldfinches, chickadees and nuthatches. As fall rolls in, leave the sunflower heads standing tall. They might look a bit ragged by season’s end, but the birds don’t care!
Combine with native species like cup plant for similar seed benefits with a wild aesthetic.
undermyappletree.net photo
Smooth Asters
These asters bloom late into the fall, offering nectar for pollinators and seeds for birds like nuthatches, sparrows, goldfinches, cardinals, chickadees and the shy towhees throughout the winter. The stems can even host stem-nesting bees and caterpillars of the pearl crescent butterfly often overwinter at the base of the plant. So really, leaving asters standing is doing triple duty for your local wildlife.
undermyappletree.net photo
Goldenrod
Goldenrod may not get the love it deserves, but it should! Not only does its seeds feed birds, but the galls (swollen stems caused by insects) serve up vital winter protein. Woodpeckers are known to break open these galls to access the larvae inside, making goldenrod a crucial food source during the colder months.
Little bluestem
This native grass is a favourite among birds like buntings and common yellowthroats, who feast on its seeds. But that’s not all—bumblebee queens often nest at the base of little bluestem, and the whole plant looks especially stunning when backlit by the winter sun, its seed heads glowing like tiny lanterns.
Joe-pye weed is an easy wildflower for home gardeners to grow. In the winter, these plants offer seeds for birds and an inviting hollow stem for solitary bees and other insects. It’s a little protection, a winter house.
Let's also take the opportunity to collect a few seeds for next year’s garden, leave the rest for birds and wildlife. Here’s how!
Wait for maturity: Allow seed heads to fully mature and dry on the plant. You'll know they’re ready when they turn brown and become papery.
Snip and shake: Gently snip off seed heads and shake them over a tray or paper bag to collect seeds. For small seeds, use a fine mesh sieve to separate them from any chaff or debris.
Drying seeds: Spread them out. Place seeds in a single layer on a tray or paper towel in a cool, dry place. Let them air dry for about a week to ensure they don’t retain moisture, which could cause mould during storage.
Storing seeds: Choose the right container. Once fully dry, store seeds in labeled envelopes or jars. Make sure they’re sealed tight and kept in a cool, dark place—like a pantry or refrigerator. This keeps seeds viable for next spring’s planting.
You might be wondering, "Can I save seed heads for the birds without my garden turning into a wild, unkempt tangle?" Absolutely! A bird-friendly garden doesn’t have to look like a bush retreat or overgrown wilderness. It’s all about balance, creating a space that’s functional for wildlife but still aesthetically pleasing for you.
Leaving seed heads intact not only supports birds but also adds another layer of interest to your garden. As winter sets in, the dried seed heads bring unique textures—soft, spiky, or feathery—that add dimension and beauty to an otherwise bare landscape. The gentle rustling of these structures in the wind and the occasional visit from a hungry bird can make your garden feel alive, even in the colder months.
By embracing this organized wildness, you're not just saving seeds for the birds and your next garden, but also creating a visually dynamic space that offers seasonal interest and a meaningful connection to nature year-round.
Monika Rekola photo
My garden, bathed in early morning sun, where controlled wildness thrives and seed heads stand tall for nature to enjoy.
Monika Rekola is a certified landscape designer and horticulturist, passionate about gardening and sustainable living. As a budding homesteader and garden writer, she shares her love for recycling, repurposing and birdwatching. Monika is dedicated to ecological gardening, aiming to balance our delicate ecosystem. Contact her at [email protected].
