A native hydrangea with a sturdy makeover
One of the easiest-to-grow hydrangea species from north to south and east to west is smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens, Zones 3–9). Native to the eastern half of the United States, it is often referred to simply as ‘Annabelle’, due to a favored cultivar found in 1910 that is still popular today. Over the past 15 to 20 years, breeders have worked to improve this species by strengthening stems, expanding flower colors, creating more compact forms, and enhancing disease resistance.
In 2016, Bailey Nurseries began a breeding project focused on improved cultivars for this much-loved native species. FlowerFull® rose to the top for its sturdy stems, incredible number of double white flowers, and disease resistance. Based at their Minnesota facility, the team worked for nine years before introducing FlowerFull® smooth hydrangea into the First Editions® Shrubs & Trees collection. It was trialed at numerous locations across the country to confirm its worthiness. In 2023, they sent me plants to evaluate at the University of Tennessee Gardens, Jackson, and we too were impressed by the number of blooms and strong stems that even remained upright during heavy rain and windstorms. It establishes quickly, reaching its mature size in just a few years.
FlowerFull® smooth hydrangea is easy to grow in sun or shade
Like the straight species, FlowerFull® is easy to grow in average garden soil with good drainage. In the hotter parts of the United States, it does best in morning sun with afternoon shade, or in full shade. It will tolerate full sun if provided with ample water. In cooler regions, it will thrive in full sun to partial shade. Once established, it is drought tolerant and even grows well on a slope or in a naturalized area or woodland setting.
Learn more: Common Hydrangea Pests and Diseases: Identification, Prevention, and Treatment
This plant can be used as a specimen and really makes a statement when planted in masses and is an excellent choice for native and wildlife plantings, it attracts pollinators and songbirds and is a host plant for the larvae of the hydrangea sphinx moth. Like other smooth hydrangeas, FlowerFull® is rabbit and salt resistant, and somewhat deer resistant. It blooms on new growth, so you can cut it back in late winter or early spring if needed, and it will still flower beautifully. It can even be treated like a herbaceous perennial and cut all the way back to the ground. The blooms are a great addition to fresh-cut flower arrangements and dry well, too.
FlowerFull® smooth hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens ‘BAIful’
Zones: 3–9
Conditions: Full sun to full shade; average, well-drained soil
Native Range: Eastern United States
Plant Sources
Jason Reeves is a contributing editor and the curator of the University of Tennessee Gardens in Jackson. Follow him on Facebook at Jason Reeves – in the garden
Hydrangea photo courtesy of First Editions Shrubs & Trees. Illustration by Elara Tanguy.
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