The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Smooth hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

hy-DRAIN-jah ar-bor-RES-senz Audio
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Creamy, six-inch flower heads form flattened spheres above heart-shaped leaves from June through frost.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsThe species is good for grouping a few plants in the lawn or in a mixed shrub border. It is native to the southeast U.S.

CarePrefers shade from midday sun. It blooms on current season's wood throughout the summer, and is best pruned to 6 inches high in early spring.

PropagationSow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter.

ProblemsGray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.

  • Genus : Hydrangea
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Bloom Time : Fall, Summer
  • Tolerance : Frost Tolerant
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Characteristics : Showy Seed Heads
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
  • Flower Color : White

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide