Smooth Hydrangea, Wild Hydrangea
Native to the Eastern United States, Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea) is a widely branched deciduous shrub acclaimed for its creamy-white flower clusters, which brighten shady areas and bring life to the garden.
This hydrangea is a member of the Hydrangeaceae family, which includes several popular garden varieties like Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea), Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea), Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea), Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea), and Hydrangea anomala petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea)
Hydrangea arborescens, also known as Smooth Hydrangea or Wild Hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub native to the United States, specifically in the eastern and southern regions.
Habit and Size: It typically grows in a rounded habit to 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) tall and as wide. The stems of the plant are quite sturdy, allowing it to maintain its shape. The bark is thin and gray-brown, often exfoliating in thin strips on mature stems.
Flowers and Blooming Season: It boasts domed to nearly rounded blossoms, which open lime-green and change to brilliant creamy white before switching to a tan shade in the fall. Unlike many other hydrangeas, the flower color of Hydrangea arborescens is not affected by soil pH.
Foliage: The dark green leaves of this hydrangea are broad, egg-shaped, and sharply toothed. They turn butter-yellow shades in fall, extending the season of interest of this magnificent flowering shrub.
Blooming Season: Hydrangea arborescens typically flowers from early summer to early fall, with the exact timing depending on local conditions and the specific variety.
Hardiness: It’s hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates. It’s more heat and cold tolerant than other hydrangea types.
Uses: This hydrangea is perfect for mixed borders with companion plants, as a flowering hedge, or in mass plantings for stunning visual impact. It is also suitable for small gardens and patio containers. The blooms also make excellent cut flowers, adding elegance to floral arrangements. They can also be dried and preserved for use in wreaths and home decor, allowing you to enjoy their beauty year-round.
Pollinators: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Songbirds eat the seeds.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are considered poisonous if ingested due to the presence of hydrangin, a cyanogenic glycoside. It’s generally safe for humans to handle, but ingestion can cause discomfort. Hydrangea is considered toxic to pets, including dogs and cats.
Deer and Rabbit: Hydrangea plants are not reliably deer-resistant, so protective measures may be necessary if deer are common in your area. Rabbits may also nibble on the plant.
Annabelle Hydrangea – Hydrangea arborescens or Smooth Hydrangea
There are many reasons why Hydrangea arborescens, or Smooth Hydrangea, is a worthy addition to your garden. Here are some key reasons to consider:
Versatility: With its compact size and rounded growth habit, Hydrangea arborescens fits well in a variety of garden spaces. It works beautifully in borders, woodland gardens, or as a standalone specimen.
Stunning Blooms: This hydrangea is known for its spectacular clusters of creamy white flowers, which can create a stunning visual impact in your garden from early summer to early fall. The cultivars ‘Annabelle‘ and ‘Incrediball‘ are particularly impressive with their large, spherical blooms.
Tolerance and Hardiness: Hydrangea arborescens is more cold and heat tolerant than many other hydrangea species, making it a good choice for gardens in a range of climates.
Native Species: As a native plant of the United States, it can be an excellent choice for a wildlife or native garden. It’s adapted to local growing conditions and provides habitat and food for local wildlife.
Soil pH Adaptability: Unlike some other hydrangeas, the color of Hydrangea arborescens blooms is not affected by soil pH, reducing the need for soil amendments.
Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of Hydrangea arborescens attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity in your garden.
Ease of Care: This plant is relatively easy to care for, with no significant disease or pest issues. It’s also tolerant of heavy pruning, allowing you to easily control its size and shape.
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A3 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Hydrangeaceae |
Genus | Hydrangea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Northeast, Midwest, Southwest, Southeast, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Mississippi, West Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
123RF Stock Photo, Shutterstock
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A3 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Hydrangeaceae |
Genus | Hydrangea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Northeast, Midwest, Southwest, Southeast, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Mississippi, West Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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