Smooth Hydrangea

Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Smooth Hydrangea, or Hydrangea arborescens, is a versatile and hardy native shrub known for its large, rounded clusters of white to pale green flowers that bloom from early summer through fall. This low-maintenance shrub thrives in partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soils, including clay and rocky areas, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings, woodland gardens, and pollinator gardens. It provides vital nectar for pollinators and serves as a beautiful focal point in mixed borders or as a mass planting.

Key Characteristics:

• Showy blooms for extended seasons: Smooth Hydrangea produces stunning clusters of white to greenish flowers from June to September, providing long-lasting beauty throughout the growing season.
• Pollinator-friendly: While the larger outer blooms are mostly sterile, the smaller inner fertile flowers offer nectar for pollinators, particularly native bees and beneficial insects, helping to boost garden biodiversity.
• Great for naturalistic and native plantings: This shrub is perfect for woodland gardens, native plant landscapes, and natural borders, seamlessly blending into native ecosystems while offering showy appeal. 
• Adapable: Once established, Smooth Hydrangea can tolerate periods of drought, and it is more heat-resistant than many other hydrangea species, making it adaptable to different climates. Smooth Hydrangea is highly adaptable, growing well in clay, loam, and rocky soils, making it a great choice for difficult planting sites or rain gardens. Prefers wetter soil if it will be in more full sun. Ideal location is morning sun and afternoon shade.

Product Details:

• Native range: Eastern United States
• Plant life cycle: Perennial shrub
• Sun requirements: Partial shade to full sun
• Soil requirements: Moist, well-drained soils, tolerates clay and rocky soils
• Mature height: 3-5 feet
• Bloom time: June to September
• Bloom color: White to pale green
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3-9

Smooth Hydrangea is an adaptable, pollinator-friendly shrub that thrives in many garden environments, providing beauty and ecological benefits for a wide range of landscapes.