Common Name: hydrangea
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: Pink (alkaline soil) to blue (acidic soil)
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy, Good Cut, Good Dried
Culture
Best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates full sun only if grown with consistently moist soils. Bloom occurs on old wood. Prune after flowering by cutting back flowering stems to a pair of healthy buds. Prune out weak or winter-damaged stems in early spring.
'SMNHSC' is best grown in full sun to part shade in northern climates with cool summers, and given afternoon shade in southern climates with hot summers. Hardy in Zones 4-9.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hydrangea is a genus of 80 or more species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, climbers and rarely trees from East Asia and North and South America. Many have very showy flowers.
The genus name Hydrangea comes from hydor meaning "water" and aggeion meaning "vessel", in reference to the cup-like capsular fruit.
'SMNHSC' is a reblooming, hybrid hydrangea selection featuring mophead-type flowers, a compact growth habit, and improved cold hardiness. This cultivar is the result of a cross between Hydrangea macrophylla and H. serrata. The dense, rounded, terminal flowerheads bloom on both old and new wood, with the first flush of blooms in early summer followed by sporadic reblooming through the rest of the summer. The flowerheads are made up of sterile florets that will take on shades of pink, purple, or blue depending on the soil pH. Mature plants will reach up to 3' tall with a similar spread. Commonly sold at nurseries and garden centers under the name LET'S DANCE ¡ARRIBA!.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot and mildew. Aphids are occasional visitors. Winter hardiness in the St. Louis area can be a significant problem for some hybrids.
Uses
Group or mass in a sheltered location in the shrub border. Also a good specimen or accent for protected locations near homes or patios. Flowers can be used in fresh-cut or dried arrangements. Suitable for use in large containers.