Hydrangea arborescens 'Haas' Halo'

Wild hydrangea ‘Haas’ Halo’ is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub cultivar in the Hydrangeaceae (hydrangea) family with a mounding habit lace-cap flowers and a rapid growth rate. At maturity it will be 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. The parent plant is native to North America. The name hydrangea is derived from Greek and Latin and taken to mean water vessel, in reference to the "cup-like form of the seed-capsule." 

Provide this shrub with moist to occasionally dry soil and while it withstands partial or deep shade, the best flowering will occur in full sun. 'Haas Halo' withstands heat and humidity better than other smooth hydrangeas as long as it has plenty of water.  It tolerates various soil textures as long as they have a neutral to acidic pH.  Prune the shrub back in the spring to encourage a larger flower display. Note that the flowers will appear on new growth.

This hydrangea features very large, lace-cap blooms from June through July. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. The foliage is a deep blue-green, and the stout stems will not droop after a hard rain. Dried flower heads provide winter interest.

Plant it in mass in a woodland, pollinator, or winter garden. Use in a shrub border or as an accent or specimen or planted near a lawn or plant it in a cutting garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Hydrangea arborescens.