Silverleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea radiata).
Abi Taylor, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Hydrangeas are one of the more popular landscape plants, and for good reasons. They have gorgeous flowers and wonderfully textured leaves that look great wherever they’re planted.
Their blooms come in tons of colors and shapes that have rightfully earned them a spot as one of the most recognizable garden plants.
Common Garden Hydrangeas
The most common species of hydrangea used in gardens and landscaping is the Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), with its color-changing flowers and large, showy leaves.
The Panicle Hydrangea (H. paniculata) is also widely popular, notably the Limelight cultivar.
Both of these are wonderful plants, but I want to touch on two lesser-known native hydrangeas.
Native Hydrangeas in South Carolina Landscapes
Silverleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea radiata)
The Silverleaf Hydrangea is an open, rounded deciduous shrub with delicate white flowers. It can be found in the woodlands of South Carolina, North Carolina, and some parts of Tennessee.
The leaves resemble those of the Smooth Hydrangea, another SC native, but they have a bright, silvery underside that adds interest to their leaves.
Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea barbara)
Climbing Hydrangea is an evergreen native to swamps in the southeast. It has creamy-white fragrant flowers that attract a wide variety of pollinators. The leaves are deep green and shiny.
If you’re looking for an interesting hydrangea for your home, this is certainly a good option!
Oakleaf Hydrangea.
Abi Taylor, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Other Native Hydrangeas Worth Considering
There are other hydrangeas native to South Carolina, like the Oakleaf Hydrangea and the Smooth Hydrangea, and these are also great options if you’d like to use a hydrangea in your landscape.
For more information about these natives and other hydrangeas, see HGIC 1067, Hydrangea.
