Smooth Hydrangea
The Native Ancestor of 'Annabelle'
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a native shrub that loves the shade. The most famous variety is 'Annabelle', known for its massive, white, basketball-sized flower heads. Unlike other hydrangeas, it blooms on "new wood," meaning it flowers reliably every single summer, regardless of how cold the winter was.
Why You Need It:
- Reliable Blooms: Guaranteed to flower every year, even after harsh Michigan winters.
- Shade Tolerant: One of the showiest flowering shrubs for shady areas.
- Cut Flowers: The huge blooms dry perfectly for winter arrangements.
Planting Tips:
Plant in Part Shade (morning sun is ideal). It loves moisture! If planted in full sun, it will wilt daily unless watered heavily. Prune it back to about 12 inches tall in late winter for strong stems.
Type
Native
benefits
Shade Tolerant, Flowers, Erosion Control
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies
Soil Type
Rich & Moist, Adaptable
Sun Light
Part Sun / Shade, Full Shade
Our Landscape Designer's Take
The Showstopper for Shady Yards: Many homeowners think they can’t have big blooms without full sun. The Smooth Hydrangea is the exception. We plant these in North-facing foundation beds or under the canopy of mature Maples where other shrubs fail. They produce massive, basketball-sized white blooms that brighten up dark corners of the yard.
Structural Support: Because the blooms are so heavy, they can flop over after a heavy rain. We often plant them in groups of three or behind a low row of Boxwoods, which act as a natural "support frame" to keep the heavy flowers upright and looking tidy all summer.
