Smooth Leaf Hydrangea: The Lowmaintenance Shrub That Will

Smooth leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a low-maintenance shrub that is perfect for any garden. It is known for its large, fluffy flower heads that bloom in shades of white, pink, and blue. Smooth leaf hydrangeas are also relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them a good choice for areas with hot, dry summers.

In this blog post, we will discuss the following:

• The different varieties of smooth leaf hydrangeas
• How to plant and care for smooth leaf hydrangeas
• How to deadhead and prune smooth leaf hydrangeas
• How to overwinter smooth leaf hydrangeas
• Common pests and diseases of smooth leaf hydrangeas

Varieties of Smooth Leaf Hydrangeas

There are many different varieties of smooth leaf hydrangeas available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Annabelle: This variety is known for its large, white flower heads that bloom in early summer. Annabelle hydrangeas are relatively hardy and easy to care for.
• Incrediball: This variety is similar to Annabelle, but it produces larger flower heads that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. Incredibleball hydrangeas are also more tolerant of full sun than Annabelle.
• Limelight: This variety produces light green flower heads that bloom in late spring or early summer. Limelight hydrangeas are a good choice for areas with hot summers, as they do not fade as quickly as other varieties.
• PeeGee: This variety is known for its fragrant, pink flower heads that bloom in late spring or early summer. PeeGee hydrangeas are a good choice for areas with cool summers, as they do not bloom as well in hot weather.
• Tardiva: This variety is the latest to bloom, with flower heads that typically appear in late summer or early fall. Tardiva hydrangeas are a good choice for areas with short summers, as they will still have time to bloom.

Planting and Care

Smooth leaf hydrangeas are relatively easy to plant and care for. They prefer full sun to partial shade, but can tolerate some direct sun in cooler climates. Smooth leaf hydrangeas also prefer moist, well-drained soil.

When planting smooth leaf hydrangeas, it is important to dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Backfill the hole with soil, being careful not to compact it too much. Water the hydrangea well after planting.

Smooth leaf hydrangeas do not require a lot of fertilizer. A light application of fertilizer in the spring will help to promote new growth and flowering.

Smooth leaf hydrangeas are relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, they will benefit from regular watering during hot, dry weather.

Deadheading and Pruning

Smooth leaf hydrangeas do not require a lot of deadheading. However, you may want to remove spent blooms to encourage new growth.

Smooth leaf hydrangeas can be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning is not essential, but it can help to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Overwintering

Smooth leaf hydrangeas are relatively hardy and do not require much protection in winter. However, in colder climates, you may want to mulch around the base of the shrub to help protect the roots from cold weather.

Common Pests and Diseases

Smooth leaf hydrangeas are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, scale, and powdery mildew. If you notice any pests or diseases, you can treat them with an insecticidal soap or fungicide.

Conclusion

Smooth leaf hydrangeas are a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any garden. They are relatively easy to plant and care for, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes to suit any landscape. If you are looking for a shrub that will add beauty and interest to your garden, smooth leaf hydrangea is a great option.

FAQ of smooth leaf hydrangea

1. What is a smooth leaf hydrangea?

A smooth leaf hydrangea is a type of hydrangea that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. It has smooth, dark green leaves and large, white flowers that bloom in the summer. Smooth leaf hydrangeas are hardy in USDA zones 3-9.

2. Where is the best place to plant a smooth leaf hydrangea?

Smooth leaf hydrangeas prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are not tolerant of drought or poorly drained soil. The best place to plant a smooth leaf hydrangea is in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. The soil should be rich and loamy, with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

3. How do I care for a smooth leaf hydrangea?

Smooth leaf hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for. Water them deeply and regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Fertilize them in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth. In the fall, prune them back to about 1/2 their size.

4. How do I get my smooth leaf hydrangea to bloom?

Smooth leaf hydrangeas need full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil to bloom. They are not tolerant of drought or poorly drained soil. They also need regular fertilization, especially during the spring and summer. If your smooth leaf hydrangea is not blooming, make sure it is getting the right amount of sunlight, water, and fertilizer. You may also need to prune it back in the fall to encourage new growth.

5. What are some common pests and diseases of smooth leaf hydrangeas?

The most common pests of smooth leaf hydrangeas are aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The most common diseases of smooth leaf hydrangeas are leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. These diseases can be prevented by watering the plant at the base and avoiding overhead watering. If a disease does occur, you can treat it with a fungicide.

Image of smooth leaf hydrangea

Here are 5 different images of smooth leaf hydrangea from pinterest.com:

• Smooth Hydrangea in Bloom

This smooth leaf hydrangea is in full bloom, with its large, white flowers cascading down the branches. The flowers are arranged in clusters, and each cluster can be up to 12 inches in diameter. The smooth leaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub, so it will lose its leaves in the winter.

• Smooth Hydrangea in Fall

This smooth leaf hydrangea is in fall, and its leaves have turned a beautiful shade of red. The flowers are still present, but they have begun to fade. The smooth leaf hydrangea is a versatile shrub that can be used in a variety of settings, including borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.

• Smooth Hydrangea in Sunlight

This smooth leaf hydrangea is growing in full sunlight. The leaves are a dark green color, and the flowers are a bright white. The smooth leaf hydrangea prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade.

• Smooth Hydrangea in Partial Shade

This smooth leaf hydrangea is growing in partial shade. The leaves are a lighter green color, and the flowers are a creamy white. The smooth leaf hydrangea can tolerate partial shade, but it will flower better in full sun.

• Smooth Hydrangea in a Garden

This smooth leaf hydrangea is planted in a garden. It is surrounded by other shrubs and flowers, including azaleas, rhododendrons, and lilies. The smooth leaf hydrangea is a beautiful addition to any garden.