The silverback hydrangea occurs most frequently at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains above 2,800 feet, notably in western North Carolina. Given the sloping nature of its natural habitat, it succeeds best as a garden variety in sharply drained soil that is amply watered. The truth is we can’t grow this plant in the garden here (1,000 feet, outside Atlanta) & wonder why we offer it. We are asking for trouble. Yet, it is so lovely. The flower is white & mostly fertile with just an occasional showy sepal supported by the glorious silver underside. 3+ feet tall. Zones 5-7(a).

Our introduction of a native species found on the nursery near the gristmill beneath the towering white oak. The flowers are pink in bud, opening to a fertile white tuft, surrounded by occasional white sepals. Excellent addition to your woodland path or informal border. Hydrangea arborescens subsp. discolor ’Pink Pincushion’ will mature at 4 feet tall by 5 feet wide. Zones 4-8.

Hydrangea arborescens ’Grandiflora’ is a native hydrangea similar to ’Annabelle’ with a lumpily rounded white bloom that is not so uniform as ’Annabelle.’ It is our opinion that it also has stouter stems & is not as likely to sprawl under the weight of its flowers. In all other respects it is similar: blooms on new wood, very cold hardy, a favorite of deer. Grow in partial shade in the south, more sun up north. Height to 4 feet. Zones 4-8.

Hydrangea arborescens ’Annabelle’ is a selection of our native hydrangea chosen for its very large white flower heads. New blooms emerge a soft green before turning white. Like all the aborescent hydrangeas, ’Annabelle’ blooms on new growth so it can be pruned late winter if you so desire & you will still have blooms that summer. Deciduous, native, 4’, for part shade. Zones 4-8.