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Wild Hydrangea

Tagged as: Four Season Landscape, Low growing shrubs, native

Botanical Name: Hydrangea arborescens
Common Name: Wild Hydrangea

Updated 4/2012


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Hydrangea arborescens at the Morton Arboretum Hydrangea_arborescens_flower
form flower



Height: 3-5' Spread: 3-5' Habit/Form: Rounded mounds Growth Rate: Fast Zone: 4-9

Cultural Requirements: A very adaptable native hydrangea; will thrive in rich, moist, well-drained soil; pH adaptable. Prefers part shade but can do well in full sun if soil moisture is sufficient. Often needs to be watered on hot, dry summer days, as leaves will droop under drought conditions. Cut down about 1/3 of the stems to about 6 inches from the ground every few years to rejuvenate vigor. Pruning annually will reduce the size of the flowers. Remove spent flowers to enjoy a second flush in August.

Ornamental Characteristics: Large, 2 to 6-inch long, dark, serrated leaves display no fall color. Flowers clusters begin as an apple green color changing to creamy white and eventually brown. For garden purposes, cultivars are more effective.

Uses in the Landscape: Works best in masses or groupings in naturalized areas.

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