Smooth hydrangea - Hydrangea arborescens (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Smooth hydrangea

Also known as: Wild hydrangea, Tree hydrangea

Smooth hydrangea (*Hydrangea arborescens*) is a deciduous shrub, naturally found on streambanks, gorges, and wooden slopes in many parts of Northern America. It is commonly recognized by its showy inflorescences - big white corymbs which bloom during summer. Smooth hydrangea is often cultivated as an ornamental, and it is an excellent choice for a border plant.

Scientific classification

Species

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Dogwoods, hydrangeas, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

1 m to 3 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

0.6 mm to 1.1 mm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

White, Green, Cream, Pink

Flower Color

Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Smooth hydrangea

Distribution of Smooth hydrangea

Distribution Map

Smooth hydrangea is native to the United States. It grows on moist slopes, bluff bases, and along stream banks. It is a cultivated plant across the United States, found in gardens and as flowering hedges. It has also been introduced into Canada, South Korea and North Korea.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rich woods, Streams, Calcareous rocky slopes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Smooth hydrangea is a flowering shrub that is sometimes grown ornamentally for its unusually shaped green-white flowers. This plant spreads rapidly and is, therefore, a good choice of ground cover plant. It also makes for a great flowering hedge and looks great in mixed borders. Azaleas grow well with hydrangeas since they bloom early, offering garden color before smooth hydrangea flowers.

Symbolism

Thank you for understanding, Boastfulness, Heartlessness, Vanity, Beauty, Gratitude, Forgiveness

Interesting Facts

Although most hydrangeas are native to Asia, smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) was discovered growing natively in North America by a woman on horseback in 1910. She famously found in growing on her ride, and came back later to dig up the flower. She planted it in her yard, where it continued to grow, and showed it to all of her friends. Smooth hydrangea is considered one of the most underrated hydrangeas.

Name Story

Smooth hydrangea: As compared to any common hydrangea, the flowers are denser in this plant. This makes the flower ball look full and smooth like a snowball, so it is called smooth hydrangea.

Sevenbark: The stem bark has a peculiar tendency to peel off in several successive thin layers with different colors, so the common name is called sevenbark.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Smooth hydrangea, including the following common varieties :

Smooth hydrangea 'Candybelle Marshmallow'Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'Smooth hydrangea 'Abetwo'Smooth hydrangea 'Ncha2'Smooth hydrangea 'Grandiflora'

Toxicity

The smooth hydrangea is moderately poisonous to cats and mildly poisonous to dogs. All parts of the plant contain toxins. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and labored breathing in cats, with small cats and kittens at highest risk. Dogs usually show vomiting and diarrhea. Severe poisoning cases are rare but consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

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Quickly Identify Smooth hydrangea

Large, globular flower clusters with lacecap-like appearance in summer.

Distinctively toothed, egg-shaped leaves measuring 2-6 inches (5-15 cm).

Dehiscent ribbed brown capsules with evolving color from green to brown.

Peeling, multi-toned bark revealing fine layers, tactile and visually unique.

Opposite leaf arrangement, dark green upper surface, yellow fall coloration.

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Care Guide for Smooth hydrangea

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Native to the Eastern United States, smooth hydrangea thrives in consistently moist environments. Preferring well-hydrated soil, it requires moderate watering every 1-2 weeks. This resilient plant adapts to seasonal changes and regulates water uptake effectively in varying temperatures.

Fertilize: For optimal growth and blooming, smooth hydrangea requires balanced nutrition through a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer applied annually in spring. Water the soil before and after application to prevent damage. Adjust frequency based on growth; excess can harm roots and leaves.

Pruning: Hydrangeas pruning methods vary by type: bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old branches and need pruning in early summer. 'Endless Summer' can be pruned anytime except spring. Smooth and panicle hydrangeas bloom on new branches, allowing for flexible pruning, but spring budding should be avoided.

Propagation: For optimal propagation of smooth hydrangea, use stem cuttings in spring or summer. While it has moderate difficulty, success is indicated by new growth and leaf formation. Use sufficiently long cuttings and rooting hormone for the best results.

Repotting: Repot smooth hydrangea in early spring, every 2-3 years, using a larger container for root expansion. Keep soil moist and provide partial sun for recovery, promoting healthy foliage and blooms. Consistent care is essential for smooth hydrangea's overall well-being.

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Images of Smooth hydrangea

Distribution of Smooth hydrangea

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Smooth hydrangea

Care Guide for Smooth hydrangea

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