Hydrangea arborescens

Hydrangea arborescens annabelle

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Hills-of-Snow Hydrangea arborescens 'Grandiflora' Flowers 2606px

2020 year. Herbarium. Hydrangea arborescens. img-035

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2020 year. Herbarium. Hydrangea arborescens. img-036

Hydrangea arborescens, commonly known as the smooth hydrangea, wild hydrangea, or sevenbark, is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae. It is native to the eastern United States, from New York south to Florida, and west to Iowa and Louisiana. The plant is widely cultivated for its large, showy flower heads and is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

Description

Hydrangea arborescens is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 to 6 feet tall and wide. Its stems are slender and its leaves are opposite, broadly ovate, and serrate, measuring 3 to 8 inches long. The plant blooms in early summer to late summer, producing large corymbs of white to pale pink flowers. The flower heads are typically 4 to 6 inches in diameter, with small fertile flowers in the center and larger sterile flowers on the outer edge. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous seeds.

Habitat and Distribution

Hydrangea arborescens prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. It is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, stream banks, and rocky slopes. The plant is adaptable to a range of soil types and pH levels, making it a versatile choice for gardeners.

Cultivation and Uses

Hydrangea arborescens is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. It is prized for its large, showy flower heads and is used in a variety of landscaping applications, including as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, and in woodland gardens. The plant is also used in cut flower arrangements.

Several cultivars of Hydrangea arborescens have been developed, including 'Annabelle', which is known for its large, white flower heads, and 'Incrediball', a variety with even larger blooms. These cultivars are more commonly planted in gardens than the wild type due to their enhanced ornamental features.

Propagation

Hydrangea arborescens can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. Softwood cuttings taken in early summer are the most common method of propagation for ornamental cultivars. The plant can also be propagated by layering in late winter or early spring.

Conservation

While Hydrangea arborescens is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, its habitats are subject to the usual pressures of development and land use change. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting the use of native plants in landscaping.

See Also

• Hydrangeaceae
• Ornamental plant
• Cultivar
• Propagation (plant)