Hydrangea season is upon us. The South Carolina Botanical Garden has a designated Hydrangea Garden across from the Hanover House. Hydrangeas are a multi-stem, woody shrub native to Asia and the Americas. Our native hydrangeas include the smooth and the oakleaf; both grow in hardwood forests with moist, humus-rich soil.
Recently, pink cultivars of smooth hydrangea have been developed. This one is ‘Invincibelle® Spirit.’
Recently, pink cultivars of smooth hydrangea have been developed. This one is ‘Invincibelle® Spirit.’
Sue Watts, ©2023, SC Botanical Gardens, Clemson University
Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are typically covered in huge balls of white flowers from June to frost. This multi-stemmed shrub grows 3-6 feet tall and wide. Since it flowers on new growth, it can be pruned harshly, even to the ground, in late winter to early spring. Among the most well-known and award-winning cultivars is ‘Annabelle’, whose flower heads can be 12″ across. ‘Annabelle’ received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Merit and the Gold Medal Award from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Recently, pink cultivars of smooth hydrangea have been developed. This one is ‘Invincibelle® Spirit.’
Oakleaf hydrangea is a native hydrangea used extensively in landscaping.
Sue Watts, ©2023, SC Botanical Gardens, Clemson University
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is another native hydrangea used extensively in landscaping. The erect, pyramidal panicles of flowers cover the plant and light up the shaded woods throughout the summer. The flowers are long-lasting and give months of summer interest to the garden. In May, the flowers start bright, creamy white, slowly age to dusky pink, and are a dry and papery brown in the fall. Native bees, syrphid flies, and honeybees are attracted to the tiny fertile flowers (the large flowers are sterile). Dark green leaves resemble oak leaves, and they turn a deep red or purple in the fall. The attractive exfoliating bark is an excellent winter accent when the leaves drop.
For more information, see HGIC 1067, Hydrangea.
