Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Estimated Height at Pickup: 2-3’, 3 gal A wild type of the common cultivar; broad flower heads are white to light green and ringed with sterile, large petaled flowers that attract insect pollinators. Intolerant of drought, healthiest in edge habitats or dappled shade and moist, well drained humus.  Established plants can be cut back to a couple inches above the ground in late fall-winter for vigorous and compact spring growth- plants not cut back are less compact, but lend winter texture with peeling bark. Pollination: 2+ individuals recommended.  Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Shade Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic Soil Type: Humus, Loam, Sandy Loam, Rocky Loam Height: 3’-8’ Width: 3’-8’ Bloom Color: White Bloom Time: Jun-Aug Fruit: Seeds are exceptionally small and wind dispersed. Fall Color: - Root Type: Rhizome Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Hosts the hydrangea sphinx, hydrangea leaf-tier moth and some smaller insects. Commonly browsed by deer and rabbits. Notes: Tolerates full but not deep shade, tolerates full sun only with consistent moisture. Slowly spreads from rhizomes. Like all hydrangeas, it is poisonous to cats and dogs if ingested.