Hydrangea arborescens – Flowering plants

Hydrangea arborescens is an ornamental, deciduous, flowering shrub that can grow up to 118 inches tall. It has large, opposite, serrated, ovate leaves and the lower leaf surface is glabrous or with inconspicuous fine hairs, appearing green, trichomes of the lower surface are restricted to the midrib and major veins. The stem bark has a peculiar tendency to peel off in several successive thin layers with different colors, hence the common name “seven bark”. The inflorescence is a corymb. The showy, sterile flowers are usually absent or if present they are usually less than 1 cm in diameter. It blooms from May to July. The fruit is a ribbed brown capsule about 2 mm long, many are produced.

Scientific classification

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Genus: Hydrangea
Species: H. arborescens
Scientific Name: Hydrangea arborescens
Common Names: Smooth hydrangea, Wild hydrangea, Sevenbark, or Sheep flower

How to grow and care Hydrangea arborescens

Light

It thrives best from bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade. Provide at least 4 hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day.

Soil

It grows well in well-drained, peat-based soil with adequate amounts of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold, or well-composted manure. While most hydrangeas grow better in soil that is lower in pH (acidic), they will tolerate higher pH soils (alkaline) quite well.

Water

Water regularly during the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Keep the soil barely moist in winter.

Temperature

It prefers to grow at a temperature below 60°F/16°C. Keep your hydrangea plant as cool as possible to prolong the flowering time.

Fertilizer

Fertilize every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) diluted by half. Or, use a slow-release fertilizer once in spring and again in summer.

Propagation

Hydrangea arborescens can be easily propagated by stem tip cuttings. Take 4-inch stem tip cuttings in spring or early summer and root them in a moist potting mix.

Pests and Diseases

Hydrangea arborescens has no serious pest or disease problems. Some susceptibility to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, and mildew. Aphids are occasional visitors.