Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

Smooth hydrangea is a native that grows across most of the eastern US, tucked into moist forest slopes and stream banks where it can form sprawling colonies. The flat-topped white flower clusters open in June and last for weeks, and the straight species has both fertile and sterile florets in each head. meaning it feeds pollinators while also putting on a show. Bumblebees, native bees, and butterflies work the flowers constantly through summer. It blooms on new wood, which means you can cut it back hard every year in early spring without losing flowers. This makes it one of the most management-friendly native shrubs we grow. Perfect for rain gardens, stream margins, and any moist site that needs color and structure through summer.