Hydrangea arborescens - Web page Navigation - Smooth Hydrangea, Wild Hydrangea Page

Discover the captivating beauty of Hydrangea arborescens, commonly known as Smooth or Wild Hydrangea. This deciduous shrub, native to the eastern United States, is a delightful addition to any garden, thriving best in USDA zones 3 to 9. With its moderate size of 3 to 5 feet in both height and spread, it fits perfectly in naturalized, woodland, or rain gardens, effortlessly creating stunning landscapes with minimal maintenance.

Smooth hydrangea blooms from June to September, adorning your garden with showy, white flowers that serve as an excellent source of nectar to attract butterflies, moths, and other pollinators. Its large, long-lasting blooms are excellent for cutting and drying arrangements. The shrub’s adaptability to various soil conditions—and its resilience to erosion, rabbits, and diverse soil types such as clay—make it a versatile choice for challenging garden spots, including slopes or areas with shallow, rocky soil.

Revel in its attractive, dark green foliage that turns yellow in fall, enhancing seasonal interest. Best grown in partially shaded areas, Smooth Hydrangea tolerates full sun if given consistent moisture. For optimal growth and rejuvenation, prune the shrub back to the ground in late winter, encouraging new, vigorous flowering stems. Enjoy its resistance to deer and salt and its ability to host the hydrangea sphinx moth.