Hydrangea arborescens (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Dappled shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 3m
Eventual Spread: 2m
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Hydrangea arborescens is a deciduous shrub with a spreading habit. Its mid green leaves are elliptic with serrate margins, up to 18cm long and 9cm broad. Its bark is peeling and reveals different coloured juvenile bark. Its white/ green flowers appear as a terminal corymb, and is composed of sterile florets surrounded by fertile florets. Its roots form stolons which aids its spread.
Hydrangea arborescens Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Hydrangea arborescens, commonly known as the Smooth Hydrangea, Wild Hydrangea or Sevenbark, is native to east USA. In its native habitat it grows in moist open forests and thickets.
The etymological root of the binomial name Hydrangea is derived from the Greek hydor meaning ‘water’ and aggos meaning ‘jar’ which refers to the plants cusp shaped fruit. Arborescens is derived from the Latin arbor meaning ’tree’ and the epithet -escens meaning ‘-ish’.
The landscape architect may find Hydrangea arborescens useful flowering shrub for shady damp locations, including woodlands.
Ecologically, Hydrangea arborescens flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the variety Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Hydrangea arborescens Leaf (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Hydrangea arborescens prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate dry soils.
Hydrangea arborescens requires little maintenance. Pruning will produce fewer larger flowers and should be carried out in early spring.
