Wild hydrangea is a hardy, adaptable shrub grown for its large, cloud-like clusters of early summer flowers that start out pale green and turn to white then eventually fade to brown adding winter interest to the landscape. Since it flowers on the tips of the new growth its flower buds are not diminished by harsh winters. It is native to woodlands in the eastern United States. For garden purposes, cultivated varieties are more attractive.
Size and Form:
Wild hydrangea is 3 to 5 feet high and wide. It has a multi-stemmed, mounded form.
Native geographic location and habitat:
This plant is native to only one county near the Chicago area. More commonly found in southern Illinois, east into Virginia and south into Alabama and Georgia. C-Value: 10
Bark color and texture:
Stems are smooth, shiny, and gray-brown.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:
Simple, opposite leaves are 2 to 8 inches long. They are oval, dark green with serrated edges, and the fall color is yellow or brown.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size:
Large rounded clusters of early summer flowers that start out pale green and turn to white. Dried, tan flower heads add winter interest to the landscape.
Fruit, cone, nut and seed descriptions:
The actual fruit (a dry capsule) is not ornamentally important, but the remains of the dry flower heads that surround them do provide winter interest.
Plant care:
Wild hydrangea thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It is pH adaptable, meaning it can handle soils from acid to alkaline. Best in part shade. Drought-sensitive, it may need to be watered in hot summer weather or leaves will droop. Plants benefit with a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Prune in late winter. This species can be cut back to the ground or thin the colony to control size.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
No serious problems.
Annabelle (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’):
One of the most popular hydrangea cultivars because of its extremely large rounded inflorescences. Individual creamy-white flower heads can be 12 inches in diameter and bloom in mid-June against dark, serrated foliage. It was selected from a plant found growing in the wild near the town of Anna in southern Illinois. Plants reach 3 to 4 feet high.
Bella Anna™ (Hydrangea arborescens ‘PIIHA-I’):
Similar to ‘Annabelle’ but with pink flowers; strong stems to support the large flower clusters. Plants reach 2 to 3 feet high.
Hayes Starburst (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Hayes Starburst’):
Clusters of white, double flowers producing a starburst effect. Plants reach 2 to 3 feet high.
Hills-of-Snow hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Grandiflora’):
Commonly used cultivar is admired for its large, clean, white flower clusters. The 6 to 8-inch flower heads are not as large or symmetrical as the cultivar ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea, but they contrast well against the dark, serrated foliage. Plants reach 3 to 4 feet high.
Incrediball® (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’):
An improved, large version of ‘Annabelle.’ Large, 12-inch, creamy white, ball-shaped flower heads are held upright on thick stems. Plants reach 4 to 5 feet high.
Invincibelle® Spirit (Hydrangea arborescens ‘NCHA1’):
Dark pink buds open to 6 to 8 inch wide rosy pink flower clusters, changing to soft pink as they mature; dark green leaves turn a buttery yellow in fall; flowers are good for drying. Plants reach 4 to 5 feet high.
White Dome® (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Dardom’):
White, dome-shaped, lacecap flowers, 4 to 6 inches wide, appear in June on loosely branched, suckering stems with dark green foliage. Plants reach 4 to 6 feet high.
