smooth hydrangea

For best results, water your Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA1' INVINCIBELLE SPIRIT) thoroughly at least twice a week during hot, dry weather. Make sure to deeply water the soil between the shrub's branches. Generally, 1-2 inches of water per application should be sufficient; however, if your soil is dry and sandy, you may need to give your hydrangea more water (up to 4 inches). Do not over-water your hydrangea, as this can lead to root rot. During cooler weather, you don't need to water your hydrangea as often.

Smooth hydrangeas prefer a bright spot with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. However, too much sun will scorch the leaves of this plant. Plant Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA1' INVINCIBELLE SPIRIT in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade or dapple sun, and they’ll thrive. With direct afternoon sun, try to give them some afternoon shade or light dappled sun to avoid wilting and scorching of the foliage.

Smooth Hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring, preferably before the buds on the shrub begin to swell. Prune off any dead, diseased, or weak branches with sharp bypass pruners. Prune back 1-third of the oldest branches at their base, as well as any branches that are growing out of bounds, and prune off any branches that are growing vertically rather than horizontally. Remove any dead flower heads at the base, and cut the remaining stems down to 18-24 inches from the ground. Regular pruning will encourage growth and keep the shrub in shape.