Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are native to the Eastern US – one of the best known cultivar’s is ‘Annabelle’. There are other varieties available with small to extra large blooms. It’s native status means it is one of the easier and lower maintenance Hydrangeas. This deciduous plant puts on a stunning display of small to extra large pom-pom flowers, white to cream or lime green to varying shades of pink midsummer to autumn forming on new wood every year. They may require staking if not planted en mass due to heavy blooms on some varieties.
- Bloom Colors: White blooms that can fade to shades of pink & mauve with some varieties such as Dreamscape being pink
- Bloom Time: Summer/Fall
- Sun Needs: Part Sun
- Best For: Specimens, foundation, massed, cut flower gardens
Care Tips
- Light: Part Sun (will tolerate full sun but will need more consistently moist soil)
- Water: Once planted, water deeply & thoroughly the first season until well-established. Moist soil is great but wet soil will cause root rot.
- Tips: Mulch around the base of the plant to help keep weeds down & moisture in (but do not pile mulch around the trunk). Water around the roots to avoid wetting the blooms and causing premature bloom fade.
Fertilizing
Hydrangeas need a good source of nutrition to produce dense blooms. Fertilize Hydrangeas twice per year, once in early spring (March-April) when new foliage begins to sprout and once again mid-summer (June-July). You can use a variety of granular fertilizers on Hydrangeas such a Fertilome’s Gardener’s Special or Espoma’s Plant Tone.
Pruning
Cut back in late winter or early spring to 6-12” tall rounded mound. Smooth Hydrangeas bloom on new wood, producing flower buds on the current season’s growth each spring. Because of this, they can be pruned confidently without sacrificing blooms. By pruning at this time, you’ll be rewarded with fuller, sturdier branching, more blooms, and an overall stronger hydrangea.
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