Hydrangea aborescens, Smooth Hydrangea  is a loosely and widely branched deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3-6’. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates full sun only if grown with consistent moisture. Can adapt to a variety of soil conditions, but intolerant of drought.  A terrific pollinator plant, its tiny white flowers are visited in May-July by many butterflies, bees and other insects. Flowers bloom on new wood, so plants may be pruned back close to the ground in late winter to revitalize and to encourage vigorous stem growth and best form. Leaves turn yellow in fall.
 
Abundant in the Mountains and foothills. Common in the western and central Piedmont, infrequent further east. Click here to see it's range in NC
 
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