Membership

Hydrangea arborescens

Large clusters of flat, creamy white, flowers open in June and last for many weeks. Plants bloom most of the summer. Pollen-rich flowers attract many insects. Plants form rounded mounds. Flowers can be used in fresh or dried arrangements. Grow in partial shade in rich moist soil. Tolerates deep shade.

Part of our Pollinator Buffet plant tag series. The eastern bumble bee and other insects pollinate wild hydrangea. It is one of the most widespread and abundant bumble bees in the eastern US. Also attracts azures and hairstreaks.

Native Environment

Cliff, Forest

Culture

Grow in full sun to partial shade in rich, moist soil. Tolerates deep shade. Blooms on new growth so can be cut back to the ground in early spring to control size. Remove suckers to prevent plant from spreading. A solid generalist.

Use

Mass or group in shaded area of the mixed shrub border or naturalize in native plant or woodland garden. Flowers can be used in fresh or dried arrangements.

Native Environment

Forest

Cliff

Height

4 to 5 feet

Spread

4 to 6 feet

Plant Type

Shrubs

Color

White

Fall Color

Yellow

USDA Hardiness Zone

3 - 9

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

Medium Sun/Average Shade

Shade

Season of Interest

Mid (May - June)

Late (July - frost)

Winter (Nov - Mar)

Soil Moisture

Moderate

High

Nature Attracting

Butterfly

Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Special Features

Ornamental Fruits/Pods/Seed Heads

Special Usage

Fresh Cut Flower

Dried Flower