Collection: Smooth Hydrangeas

A smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a deciduous shrub known for its large, rounded flower clusters and attractive foliage. Commonly grown in gardens and landscapes, the smooth hydrangea is native to North America. The most popular cultivar of smooth hydrangea is 'Annabelle,' which is well-known for its large, globular, white flower heads.

Smooth hydrangeas typically bloom in late spring to early summer, and their flowers can be quite showy. The blooms start off green and gradually change to white as they mature. The plant is characterized by its toothed, dark green leaves and a somewhat rounded, mounding growth habit.

These hydrangeas are relatively easy to grow and are often used in landscaping for their ornamental appeal. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade but can tolerate a range of conditions. Pruning can be done to control the size and shape of the plant.

It's important to note that there are various hydrangea species and cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics, so the term "smooth hydrangea" specifically refers to Hydrangea arborescens.

When to prune smooth hydrangea?

Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), such as the popular 'Annabelle' cultivar, are typically pruned in late winter to early spring. The timing of pruning is important because it allows the plant to produce new growth and set buds for the upcoming growing season.

Here are the general guidelines for pruning smooth hydrangeas:

1. Late Winter to Early Spring: The best time to prune smooth hydrangeas is in late winter to early spring, before new growth begins. This is usually in February or March, depending on your specific climate and local conditions.

2. Remove Dead Wood: Start by removing any dead or damaged wood. Cut these back to healthy, living wood, making clean cuts just above a set of healthy buds.

3. Cutting Back to the Ground: Smooth hydrangeas can be pruned back quite hard if needed. Some gardeners choose to cut the entire plant back to within a few inches of the ground. This encourages vigorous new growth and often results in larger flowers.

4. Leave Healthy Stems: If you prefer a more structured look or want to maintain some of the plant's height, you can selectively prune by cutting back about one-third of the oldest stems to the ground. This helps rejuvenate the plant and encourages new growth.

5. Remove Spent Flowers: If there are any remaining dried flower heads from the previous season, you can remove them during the pruning process.

Remember that smooth hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so pruning in late winter or early spring allows the plant to produce fresh growth that will bear flowers during the upcoming growing season. If you prune later in the spring or summer, you risk removing potential flower buds and may reduce the number of blooms.