Hydrangea Arborescens - The “Smooth Leaf” Hydrangea - The Garden Calls by The Southerner’s Northern Garden

About the Species

The beauty. The grace. The history. Hydrangea arborescens is native to North America. Also called "smooth hydrangea" because of their leaves, arborescens are many gardeners' favorite.

Annabelle hydrangea, an old variety type of hydrangea arborescens that you will still find sold today, dots the landscapes of homes along the eastern United States, particularly New England.

Growing Conditions

They typically enjoy a part-sun to part-shade garden where they will flourish. In the northernmost parts of the United States, they may be able to take full sun, if given the appropriate amount of water. In the south, they are almost certain to burn in the heat and humidity of the hot summer.

Variety Developments

There are many different varieties of hydrangea arborescens and I have several in my own garden. All of the varieties in my garden were developed by Proven Winners. The truth is Proven Winners has poured a ton of research and money into the development of very interesting and unique hydrangea varieties that I've come to really enjoy. Many of the hydrangeas you will find in my garden are Proven Winners varieties for that reason.

Pruning & Maintenance

Hydrangea arborescens more importantly blooms on new wood (the growth from the current growing season), which means they will always bloom for you and you don't have to worry about when to prune.

I personally prune mine by 1/3 in late winter when the buds first begin to swell. Trim out any dead or damaged wood, as well as weak stems to encourage a strong habit that holds blooms upright.

If you are interested in how to specifically prune hydrangea arborescens, or want to see more details about my hydrangea hedge, check out the videos here.

Incrediball Hydrangea by Proven Winners

Incrediball (a play on incredible) Hydrangea is an improved variety of Annabell. Those familiar with my garden know I have a hedge of Incrediball hydrangeas on the north side of my home. They were the first hydrangeas I introduced to my garden are about to begin their fourth season in the garden and really brighten up a shady area.

Incrediball blooms emerge green, and quickly transition to white. As the season comes to an end the blooms become papery and can be brought in for arrangements or hung upside down to dry for dried arrangements during winter.

Annabelle was known to flop really bad in rains because of its massive blooms. Incrediball has stronger stems and resists drooping after a rainfall. You may notice some drooping after you plant the Incrediball, but give it a couple years to put on really thick stems and you'll experience much less flopping and it will give you beautiful blooms for years to come.

Invincibelle Wee White Hydrangea by Proven Winners

Wee White Hydrangea is a petite thing graced by hostas and lavender in my garden. It looks very similar to Incrediball, but on a miniature size, you can sneak into any shady garden space.

I use it to continue my Incrediball hedge under a green spruce that sits at the corner of our house. It provides a sense of continuity by keeping the eye moving around the flower bed.

The blooms of Wee White turn a very dusty pink in later summer, so light in color, but perfect. The stems are extremely strong, and because of its small stature, you'll not find a single branch drooping - ever.

Invincibelle Ruby Hydrangea by Proven Winners

Ruby Hydrangea is a newer variety that I added to my garden 2 years ago now. I love the color of the blooms and it's unlike anything else in the garden. It is a nice size and would make a great hedging hydrangea as well.

I have a small hedge of them planted at the front of my property behind a developing hedge of Sprinter Boxwood. They're tiny, in shade most of the day except the early morning. This means they will grow a little slower and likely will not reach their full potential, which is great for me given the space I've put them in.

Ruby is really a gem in the garden, and I think you would love it too.