Quickfire unquestionably, though I may be in the minority. I love QF’s airy rounded panicles and really long bloom time. I also appreciate the particular shade of pink it turns and holds onto. I am not quite as fond of SV, particularly the larger more pointed panicles that give a heavier feel to the plant and cause the branches to arch downward. My Quickfire has sturdy enough branches to not only hold its own branches upright, but also to support two clematis without bending or splaying.

QF last week of June

White lacy blossoms all of July

Gradually shadin towards pink throughout August. Sorry this is so overexposed.

Labor Day through frost, usually late October here

If you do a search on the Hydrangea forums, Hyed has several photos of his Vanilla Strawberry which he eventually decided to limb up to take better advantage of the more arching branch form.

I like Vanilla Strawberry. It has beautiful red stems and only gets 5 feet wide according to the tag. I have it planted where it gets southern sun and it seems to do well in this location.

MintCar, I would up that estimate since MOBOT says 6’-8’, though only 5’ wide. Tags for shrubs often give a 5 year estimate.

Thanks, NHBabs!

I found the VS to be very floppy alway on the ground... pruned to tree form

Hmmm Yeah, I am leaning more towards the QF I think

QF is one of my favorite plants in my garden. No fuss, long bloom, little to no maintenance needed, and gorgeous late season color. I can’t imagine not having this in my garden.

My 'Quick Fire' has grown very large and WIDE, I've thus have limbed it up (as in hyed's photo) and keep the height restricted. I also have 'Little Quick Fire' which I find to be more attractive and refined.

I prefer the pink color and bloom form of VS by a mile. But down here, paniculatas bloom poorly. Instead of VS, I would plant an early blooming one like QF, Little QF, etc.

Here is a Picture to show just how big QF can get along side a Limelight

Yup, I currently have a hedge of LL that I LOVE! I just got me some QFs too, but recently found some VS at my local place and I was wondering how they go compared to QFs, I do have to say that I prefer the darker green leaves of QFs

LOL but for me I have neverr considered leaves... blooms blooms and more blooms

OK one more picture 2 little QFs between a Pee Gee.. sorry for the grass Town is on a water ban

It is like comparing apples to oranges, they are completely different in looks

My Quickfire doesn't hold onto the pink very long- it turns more a dusty beige. And it is enormous- that fence is six feet tall.

I think that in warmer areas, the pink fades faster than those of us farther north. Mine hold on to its final pink shade for 6-8 weeks!

Yes, mine always show best when temps have been pleasantly moderate (below 80 F) with good moisture levels.