Hills of Snow

Hydrangea arborescens (hy-DRAN-jee-ah ar-bor-ESS-sens)

Family: Hydrangeaceae Native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Smooth hydrangea is a rounded, deciduous shrub in the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). It is native to moist or rocky wooded slopes, ravines, streambanks, and bluff bases in the eastern United States. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide and is the most common native hydrangea in North Carolina. The species epithet is Latin for "becoming tree-like." Smooth hydrangea is a very cold-hardy species but will also grow in warmer climates. It requires neutral to acidic, well-drained soils in partial shade; it will tolerate full sun only if grown with consistent moisture. It blooms on new wood and can be pruned back close to the ground in late winter to encourage vigorous stem growth. Treated like an herbaceous perennial, the new shoots produce very large flower clusters, but after a heavy rain, the stems supporting the clusters bend and droop. Weak and damaged stems should be removed in early spring. Propagate smooth hydrangea by layering, seed, or stem cutting. Several named cultivars have sterile flowers that make a ball-shaped bloom. A few modern hybrids have been bred to have pink flowers. Unlike some other hydrangeas, the flower color is not affected by the soil pH. Smooth hydrangea is the host plant of the hydrangea sphinx moth. Consider using smooth hydrangea in a mass planting or as a specimen for native, pollinator, rain, or shade garden. It attracts butterflies, moths, pollinators and songbirds, as well as being a host plant for the larvae of the Hydrangea sphinx ( Darapsa versicolor ) moth. It is salt resistant and grows well on a slope, naturalized area, or in a woodland. Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It is susceptible to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spots, mold, rust, and powdery mildew. Aphids, mites, scale, and nematodes may also be a problem. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Hydrangea .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 69 attributes.