Hills-of-snow hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Grandiflora') hy-DRAIN-jah ar-bor-RES-senz Synonyms:  'Hills-of-Snow' Hydrangea Genus:  Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens is a southeastern U.S. native shrub with a rounded habit to 5 feet tall and domes of creamy white flowers over a long period beginning in early summer. The cultivar 'Grandiflora' has larger, showier flowerheads than the species. They grow to 6 to 8 inches across.   Care:  Smooth hydrangea is good for grouping a few plants in the lawn or in a mixed shrub border, and prefers shade from midday sun. It blooms on current season's wood throughout the summer, and is best pruned to 6" high in early spring. Propagation:  Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter. Problems:  Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Native, Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Summer Flower Color White Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Screening Style Cottage Garden, Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Frost Tolerant Type Shrubs