​​

Background

​​Native to eastern USA, Hydrangea arborescens is an understorey shrub thriving in moist woodland habitats most commonly found on shade forest slopes and margins, and along stream banks.

​

Introduced to Europe in the mid-18th century (around 1736 by Peter Collinson). The historic, naturally occurring cultivar 'Annabelle' (discovered wild in Ohio) became the benchmark for the species.

 

In recent years there has been a focus  on breeding dwarf cultivars, deeper colours (pinks and magentas), and rigid stems that maintain heavy mophead blooms upright after rain 

​​​​

Cultivation

​​

• Position & Soil: Tolerates full sun to partial shade. Needs consistent moisture; leaves will flag quickly in dry soils

​​​

• Pruning: Hydrangea arborescens flowers on new growth so stems can be pruned in early spring (Feb/Mar). Cut hard back to 15cm-30cm to encourage vigorous shoots and huge flowers Lighter pruning will result in smaller flowers but sturdier stems.

​​​

• Colour Note: Soil pH does not alter bloom colour.

​​​​​​

• Propagation:  Propagates easily through softwood cuttings in early summer, or by separating rooted suckers from around the base of the plant in autumn/spring.​​​​