Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth hydrangea, Wild hydrangea)

Hydrangea arborescens Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of White Flower Farm



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Hydrangea arborescens hy-DRAIN-jah ar-bor-RES-senz Common Name: Smooth hydrangea, Wild hydrangea Genus: Hydrangea
Creamy, six-inch flowerheads form flattened spheres above heart-shaped leaves from June through frost.
Noteworthy characteristics: The species is good for grouping a few plants in the lawn or in a mixed shrub border. It is native to the southeast U.S.
Care: Prefers shade from midday sun. It blooms on current season's wood throughout the summer, and is best pruned to 6 inches high in early spring.
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter.
Problems: Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Native; Showy Flowers; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Fall; Summer
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Screening
Style Cottage Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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