Hydrangea arborescens 'American Lace White'

Species

Hydrangea arborescensSmooth Hydrangea

11 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 'American Lace White'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea arborescens, commonly known as smooth hydrangea, is a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub native to eastern North America that forms a rounded mass three to five feet tall. Broad, ovate green leaves anchor abundant flat or dome-shaped flower heads that open in midsummer on current season's wood.

'American Lace White' produces large, refined lacecap flower heads featuring a dense central disc of fertile flowers ringed by broad, pure white sterile florets. Built on sturdy, non-flopping stems, this cultivar stays compact at three to four feet tall and wide without collapsing under heavy summer blooms.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers refined pure white lacecap flowers on non-flopping stems followed by golden yellow fall color.

Thrives on current season's growth, allowing reliable spring pruning without risking lost blooms.

Fertile central flowers supply accessible nectar and pollen to native bees, butterflies, and generalist pollinators.

SpeciesHydrangea arborescensSmooth Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to high

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial shrub (20+ years)

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site receiving morning sun and afternoon shade in warm zones, or full sun in cool northern regions.
Amend native soil with rich organic matter or compost to create a moisture-retentive, well-draining substrate.
Plant at the same depth as the nursery container, firming soil gently around the root ball.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain steady weekly irrigation, especially during hot summer weather.
Prune back stems to 12-18 inches in late winter to early spring to stimulate vigorous blooming shoots.

Pro Tip

Cut stems back hard to 12 to 18 inches above ground in late winter or early spring; because flowers form on new season growth, severe pruning prevents lax stems and yields larger, sturdier flower heads.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the summer heat.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone to retain soil moisture.
Prune hard in late winter or early spring before fresh leaf growth starts.

Don't

Do not allow the root zone to dry out completely, as foliage will wilt quickly.
Do not plant in soggy, waterlogged sites with stagnant drainage.
Do not prune in late spring or early summer, as this removes developing flower buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden bordersFoundation plantingsLow informal flowering hedgesCut flower gardensMass plantings along woodland edges

Companion Plants

Heuchera americana Hosta plantaginea Polystichum acrostichoides Astilbe chinensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Smooth Hydrangea questions

What zones can Smooth Hydrangea grow in?

Smooth Hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Smooth Hydrangea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Smooth Hydrangea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Smooth Hydrangea bloom?

Smooth Hydrangea typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Smooth Hydrangea need full sun?

Smooth Hydrangea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.