Hydrangeaceae

snowy hydrangea

Hydrangea radiata

Synonyms

Hydrangea arborescens ssp. radiata

Other Common Names

silverleaf

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-8 ft. tall
4-6 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds require light to germinate.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 6 ft spacing and protect from afternoon sun.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects

Leaves

Leaves opposite with serrate margins and gray silver undersides.

Flowers

Tiny white flowers on coymb surrounded by large sterile flowers.

Fruit

Capsule.

Bark

Dark brown and shredding.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Hydrangea radiata

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Forest and outcrops with rocky soils. Roadbanks.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon in the South Carolina piedmont. Common in the mountains. Absent from the coastal plain and sandhills.