Smooth Hydrangea - Hydrangea arborescens

Phonetic: hy-DRAN-jee-ah ar-bor-ESS-sens

Smooth Hydrangea is a cold hardy shrub that thrives in neutral to acidic, well drained soils in partial shade. It will tolerate full sun if planted in soil with constant moisture. It blooms on new wood from June through September with predominantly lacecap inflorescences that contain fertile flowers and are surrounded by showy sterile flowers. The nectar-rich flowers attract a flurry of bees and butterflies. The flower color does not change dependent on soil Ph and will turn to seed capsules that ripen in October through November. The shrub can be pruned back heavily in late winter, at the very least the damaged or weak stems should be removed. 

• Hardiness Zone:  3-9
• Native Northeast Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure:  Partial to Full Shade
• Flower Color: White
• Bloom Time: June - September
• Soil Type: Medium - Moist
• Mature Plant Size: 3-5' Height, 3-5' Width
• Plant Spacing: 3'
• Host Plant:  Hydrangea Sphinx Moth , 
• Attracts:  Bees, butterflies, birds
• Advantages: Deer and rabbit resistant, clay soils and salt tolerant
• Landscape Uses:  Shrub borders, Woodland margins, Perennial garden
• Companion Plants:  Woodland Phlox, Jacob's Ladder, Canadian Anemone