Growing 3 to 5 feet tall, much-loved hydrangea "Annabelle" blooms with dense snow-white flowerheads up to 10 inches across. This one is a separate species from the pink and blue types, and many think it is the best landscape plant. About Hydrangeas: These popular shrubs, also called "Hortensia," all have rounded flower clusters that persist through summer and fall. There are several types, since there are several species of the plant the hybridizers work with:
H. macrophylla or "French" Hydrangeas. These, the most popular, form non-rangy, attractive shrubs about 4 to 6 ft. tall, and are famed for their big, colorful ball-like flowers, usually blue or pink. The popular group here is called "Mophead" hydrangeas. Artificially shortened versions are sold in pots on Easter and Mother's Day, and the blooms are florist's favorites, always popular for wedding decorations. In addition to the "mopheads" (solid ball of flowers), there are also "lacecap" versions of these hydrangeas. (H. macrophylla is native to the Far East.)
H. arborescens, a US native, includes the widely-planted, "Annabelle." Much like the "Mopheads", Annabelle is a shorter hydrangea with huge rounded flower clusters in pure white. This is the one famous for flowers so large they often weigh down the branches, needing special support.
H. paniculata, is a larger species, much taller than the "Mopheads". The flower clusters are more cone-shaped, rather than round. The plant in this group is more rangy than the shorter types, but can be controlled by pruning. The famous "Pee Gee" hydrangea, often grown as a small tree is in this group, and was imported from Japan in the late 19th century. There are also newer H. paniculata hybrids, including the beautiful greenish-flowered one called "Limelight."
Other Types: There are several other important hydrangeas. The tall native "Oakleaf" hydrangea (sometimes considered a small tree) is also a variety of the species, H. paniculata.
There is a great website all about Hydrangeas called "Hydrangeas! Hydrangeas!" Click here to visit.
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Botanical Name: Hydrangea arborescens
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Common Name: Hydrangea, Smooth
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Color: Clusters of white flowers
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Spread/Width: 48-72" wide
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Bloom Time: Mid summer through fall
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Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil Preferences: Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil.
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How To Grow It: To plant, dig a hole twice the size of the rootball. Remove container, loosen roots to stimulate growth, then backfill with a good outdoor garden mix. Water deeply and regularly during the first year. Mulch to retain moisture. Feed with an all purpose fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer, following application instructions. Prune after blooms are finished.
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