Two hydrangea species, Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea) and Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea), both woody shrubs, are native to the North American continent and have been cultivated for use in landscaping on a commercial scale. Other hydrangea species have been used in landscaping, and a related, the loosely clinging vine Decumera barbara, appears to be fighting for acceptance as a garden plant. However, the oakleaf and smooth hydrangeas are the most prevalent North American species in the nursery industry. Hydrangea arborescens, known by its cultivars ‘Grandiflora’ (also known as ‘Hills-of-Snow’ hydrangea in older gardening literature), ‘Sterile,’ and, more recently, ‘White Dome’ (also known as ‘Dardom’) and ‘Annabelle’ (and her enormous-flowering cousins like Incrediball), is likely the North American hydrangea species that has been used in general gardens
Both the smooth and oakleaf varieties are native to damp woodlands with a variety of hardwood trees, and they both do well in soils that retain moisture and are rich in organic matter (naturally, that would be decomposing leaf and twig litter found on the forest floor). However, the inflorescence form (creamy white cones of flowers on H. quercifolia that age to red and brown, and creamy white spherical dome or ball-shaped that age to silvery-tan on H. arborescens) and foliage pattern of these shrubs differ in appearance (thick, large oakleaf-shaped foliage on H. quercifolia, and thin, flat green leavesthat are prone to wilting in summer heaton H. arborescens). This last characteristic determines when and how the plants can be pruned without damaging the flowering effect, as well as whether winter cold and late frosts might reduce the flower display. These two species also differ in flowering time (early or midsummer), and when they develop their flower buds. The early American botanist John Bartram first identified the Hydrangea quercifolia, which is native to a smaller area of the southeastern states and is winter hardy down to -15F. However, because it develops new flower buds the year before each flowering season, it may not reliably flower in the coldest climates (USDA zone 5), despite having lush and beautiful foliage. On the other hand, H. arborescens is more dependable for floral display because its flower buds form on new growth, that is, on a mass of stems that emerge (typically suckering from close to the ground) the current season. It is a native of moist rocky cliffs and seeps from New England to Missouri as well as southeastern states.
H. arborescens is perhaps the easiest of the native North American hydrangeas to grow across a greater area of the temperate zone since you can trim it to the ground each spring and expect vigorous new growth with a nice flower show that summer. Additionally, it can withstand moister soils that are heavier in clay or less “well-drained” and is winter-hardy in one or two colder zones (often zone 4, however other sources claim H. arborescens can thrive in the warmest regions of zone 3!). H. quercifolia, on the other hand, is a more sophisticated plant whose leaves turn a deep burgundy and orange hue in the fall. Its coarse and rocky structure and peeling coppery-tan bark also lend interest to the landscape in the winter, making it showy beyond its summer flowering season. While the oakleaf cultivars make excellent specimen plants and tolerate slightly drier soil conditions if shaded from the hottest sun of the day, the smooth hydrangea tends to wilt easily and is best used in moister sites, especially if it is to bake in sun during the hottest time. Its suckering habit also lends itself to massing and use as a summer hedge.
Where are hydrangeas originally from?
Over 75 species of flowering plants in the genus Hydrangea (/hadrendi/), sometimes known as Hortensia or hydrangea, are indigenous to Asia and the Americas. In eastern Asia, especially in China, Korea, and Japan, there is by far the greatest variety of species. The majority are 13 m (3 ft 3 in. or 9 ft 10 in.) tall shrubs, although some are small trees and some have lianas that can grow up trees to heights of 30 m (100 ft). Although the frequently cultivated temperate species are all deciduous, they can also be evergreen. [3]
In reference to the design of its seed capsules, the name “hydrangea” is derived from the Greek and meaning “water vessel” (from water + or vessel).
[4] The former name, Hortensia, is a Latinized version of the French given name Hortense and was given in honor of Nicole-Reine Hortense Lepaute, a French astronomer and mathematician.
[5] This statement is refuted on page 88 of Nicole-Reine Hortense Lepaute’s biography, citation 10, where it is stated: “Larousse considers this an injustice and remarks that it has caused many people to believe falsely that “Hortensia” was one of her names; it was likely only the Latin adjective from “hortus.”
The Northeast is home to hydrangeas.
The American hydrangea, sometimes known as the smooth hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 5 feet (1.5 meters). The small populations in New England, which are native to most of eastern North America, are regarded as introduced because they are primarily found in disturbed environments. In contrast to showier cultivated hydrangeas, its clusters of somewhat little white blooms are modest but bloom for a long time. Additionally, the plants can survive in rain gardens, are helpful for erosion management, and are tolerant of poor soil conditions.
When did hydrangeas arrive in the United States?
Although the hydrangea plant was first domesticated in Japan, prehistoric fossils of the plant from 40 to 65 million years ago have been found in North America. It is believed that a colonist who brought a North American variety to England in 1736 was the first to introduce hydrangeas to Europe.
Most hydrangea species are shrubs that grow 1 to 3 meters tall in groups. However, some are little trees and others are lianas that can climb up trees to reach heights of up to 30 meters.
Depending on the species, hydrangeas can be either deciduous or evergreen plants. Hydrangea blooms typically bloom from early spring until late autumn.
Are hydrangeas found in nature?
The Hydrangeaceae, or family of hydrangeas, includes wild hydrangea. The species in this family include woody vines, small to big shrubs. The family includes several popular decorative shrubs, such as panicle hydrangea and delicious mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius) (H. paniculata). Wild hydrangea is classified as a member of the Saxifragaceae family in older manuals and publications.
This shrub is often smaller than larger and ranges in height from 1 to 3 meters (3.3 to 9.8 feet). From the crown, one to many weak stems emerge. The opposite leaves measure between 1.5 and 3 inches (3.8 to 8 cm) in width and 7 to 15 centimeters (2 3/4 to 6 inches) in length. The slender, serrated leaves have a green upper surface and a lighter underside. At the terminals of branches, flowers are produced in clusters (inflorescences) that are 2 to 4 3/4 inches diameter and 5 to 12 cm wide. More than 100 blooms may be present in clusters White Flowers with 4 to 5 petals are tiny, measuring barely 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) across. At the border of the inflorescence, enormous sterile blooms are occasionally produced in an effort to draw pollinators. Fruits are small capsules with many seeds.
Wild hydrangea can grow in dry places as well as mesic forests, frequently beside streams or in rocky terrain. It typically has at least some shade. From New York and Massachusetts to Louisiana and Florida in the south, to Illinois and Missouri in the west, and in Kansas and Oklahoma in the north, it can be found. It is also well-known in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Depending on the region of the country where it is found, this plant blooms from early June to the beginning of August. The blossoms have a significant attraction for bees, wasps, and beetles. The underside of the leaves of a related species, H. cinerea, or Ashy Hydrangea, which is primarily found in the Appalachian Mountains, are white or gray and densely haired.
Are hydrangeas generally invasive?
There is good news and bad news regarding invasive plants in gardens and landscapes. The bad news is that invasive plants are frequently planted on purpose as ornamentals, and a number of invasive species are easily accessible for purchase from nurseries and garden centers or as parts of wildflower seed mixtures. The good news is that there are a lot of beautiful non-invasive plants to pick from, numbering in the thousands. The bulk of the most famous garden plants are not invasive, despite the fact that many of them are not native to the Midwest. For instance, although they are non-native to the area, hostas, hybrid tea roses, the majority of garden hydrangeas, boxwoods, tulips, daffodils, garden salvias, dwarf shrub junipers, and peonies are not recognized to be invasive.
There are countless beautiful and distinctive native plant species that are perfect for providing food and habitat for local animals, including birds, mammals, and pollinating insects, if you want to take your efforts to build an environmentally friendly garden to the next level. We’ll provide resources for choosing appropriate alternatives as well as our advice and methods for preventing invasive landscaping species below. For the cost of travel, MIPN staff are also available to give presentations to organizations on invasive species and landscaping.
In New York, are hydrangeas native?
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QUESTION:
In front of the front porch of my vacation home on Saratoga Lake, I planted four Endless Summer Hydrangas two years ago. They had trouble the first year, but now they limp. Will you provide me with a Hydranga that can endure strong lakefront winds and subfreezing temperatures? I made an effort to protect the plants, but to no avail. I desire something robust and floral. The soil is healthy, but because we are close to a natural spring, it receives a lot of water.
ANSWER:
A variation of the Hydrangea macrophylla, which is indigenous to Korea and Japan, is called the Endless Summer hydrangea. We at the Wildflower Center specialize in and have a lot of experience with North American native plants, so we can’t really offer you much advice on your Endless Summer hydrangea other than to say that it enjoys moist soil but also likes well-drained soil. There are two types of native hydrangeas: Hydrangea arborescens, or “wild hydrangea,” which is indigenous to New York and much of the eastern US, and Hydrangea quercifolia, or “oakleaf hydrangea,” which is endemic to the southeastern US. Although it does require well-drained soil, it does grow in moist soil. So, unless you can find a grown kind that can handle having consistently damp feet, I don’t think you will be able to put hydrangeas there. However, I can suggest a few native shrubs to New York that can withstand too much water and still flower.
Do hydrangeas grow naturally in New Jersey?
Because of rumors that the leaves resemble some oak foliage, Hydrangea quercifolia is often known as oakleaf hydrangea. The leaves change dramatically from green to burgundy in the fall.
Now might be the time to look for Hydrangea quercifolia, also known as oakleaf hydrangea, if you notice huge conical blooms on a shrub or small tree. The round ball type or macrophylla hydrangea that is currently blooming in pink or blue is receiving so much attention and demand that I occasionally forget about these lovely plants. The larger, extremely spectacular oakleaf hydrangea is a low-maintenance shrub that retains its flowers far into the fall, making it a popular choice for gardens.
On our land, the oak leaf hydrangea has been grown in both sunny and shady locations. The oakleaf has the advantage of thriving in more dryer environments than its cousin the hydrangea. In our sandy soil, the round, vibrant Mopheads (macrophyllas) struggle and frequently wilt on hot days, while the oakleaf hydrangeas thrive with little care.
Because of rumors that the leaves resemble some oak foliage, Hydrangea quercifolia is often known as oakleaf hydrangea. They certainly look lovely in the fall when they change dramatically from red and orange to burgundy. This low-maintenance plant is an erect, dense deciduous shrub that can reach heights of 4-6 feet. It works well as a highly striking specimen plant, a sunny border, or a forest garden that receives some shade.
It is indigenous to the country and is typically found in the deep south and surrounding coastal regions. One of just two native hydrangeas exists. It grows well locally in southern New Jersey and blooms best in regions with moderately hot summers.
Like other plants, they thrive when planted in good soil, supplemented with compost and a layer of mulch, and watered as necessary. Even though they enjoy moisture, the soil must have good drainage because this plant cannot endure a stagnant, muddy environment. When planted in full sun to part shade, it thrives. Although it is believed to flourish in damp soils, the plants we have on our property are in our sandy loam, where they are partially shaded and covered in the natural leaf mulch from big trees each fall. They do value a summertime mulch that keeps the soil moist. Feed in the spring once a year.
If you must prune one, do so right away so that new growth has time to emerge and form buds for the following year because they bloom on old wood. Pests and disease rarely pose an issue for oakleaf hydrangeas.
The majority of the year, these deciduous shrubs are extremely colorful and hardy from zone 5 to zone 9. They start out green and turn multicolored in the fall. The blossoms start off white in mid-June and gradually turn pink and pastel mauve until drying in the fall.
They originated on the Eastern Seaboard and are now widespread as far south as Louisiana. Although this magnificent plant is more winter-hardy further north than the macrophylla, it blooms best in regions with somewhat warmer summers (mop head).
Other varieties of hydrangea are very lovely and can be planted for protracted summer blooming. Knockout roses, butterfly bushes, wigellia, clethra, kerria, bottlebrush buckeye, and abelia are just a few examples of companion plants for mid- to late-summer flowers. Look these up if having a few blooming plants continuously throughout the season appeals to you. The task of planting for continual bloom is definitely worth the effort. An oakleaf hydrangea can be a wonderful place to start because it will bloom from now until the end of the season.
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