Species smooth hydrangea
Smooth Hydrangea arborescens 'Green Dragon' - lime-green blossoms forming round clusters and green leaves

smooth hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 'Green Dragon'

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Green Dragon') is an outstanding, deciduous, flowering shrub prized for its large, rounded, dark green leaves and creamy-white panicles of showy flowers. In the summer and fall, its flowers clustered along the stems produce a stunning display of soft petals. 'Green Dragon' is an especially hardy cultivar that does well in full sun, partial shade, or even very dense shade, making it a versatile choice. It's very tolerant of different soil types and grows well in moderately moist or dry soil conditions. This easy-care shrub requires minimal pruning and is very drought-tolerant. Plant it as a backdrop for lower-growing shrubs or in a mixed border and enjoy its evergreen foliage and sculptural beauty.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Smooth Hydrangea plants require consistent water for the best growth and health. During the first growing season, water regularly to help establish deep and healthy root systems. The plant should receive about 1-2 inches of water per week, applied directly to the soil and not to the leaves. Water deeply and frequently enough so that the soil stays evenly moist. Once the plant is established, water deeply and less frequently, allowing the top few inches of the soil to dry between watering sessions. To check soil moisture, insert your finger an inch into the soil and feel for wetness.

sunlight

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Green Dragon') does best in bright but indirect sunlight or partial shade. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and excessive shade can prevent blooms. To ensure the best blooms and avoid any leaf damage, this hydrangea should receive 3 to 4 hours of sunlight each day in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun’s rays are the least intense.

pruning

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Green Dragon') should be pruned once each year, in the late winter or early spring while the plant is still dormant. Pruning should be light, only removing dead, damaged, or overgrown stems. If necessary, you can also remove up to 1-third of the oldest, thickest stems back to the ground level. If you are pruning to keep the shrub small, remove the new shoots with the smallest stems, typically within the center of the plant. Avoid pruning smooth hydrangeas later in the summer or fall, since this can encourage new growth that won't have enough time to harden off before winter.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hydrangea arborescens 'Green Dragon' typically starts flowering in late June or early July.

Hardiness Map