Hydrangea arborescens

Common Name
Wild hydrangea
Smooth hydrangea
Scientific Name
Hydrangea arborescens
Ground Cover
No
Evergreen
No
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Max Height (ft)
6.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Additional Info

Habitat: moist, rich woods in floodplains or upland, streambanks

Wildlife Value: Flowers are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds. It is the host plant of the hydrangea sphinx moth.

Suckering. Fast-growing and short-lived, this hydrangea is often treated as a perennial and cut to the ground every winter. Very effective in mass plantings. Can grow in areas of poor drainage.It blooms on new wood and can be pruned back close to the ground in late winter to encourage vigorous stem growth. At the very least, weak and damaged stems should be removed in early spring. Blooms persist as dried flowers. Super popular with pollinators. Can be planted in partial shade where it brightens up dark spaces. Good for cut flowers. Very easy to grow.

Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Grassland Species
No
Riparian Buffer Species?
Yes
Riparian Buffer Zones
WF
Flower Color
Green
Pink
Cream/White
Flower Prominence
Prominent
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Late Summer
Deer Resitant
Yes
Low Maintenance
Yes
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Supports Pollinators
Yes