Hydrangea arborescens 'Dardom' WHITE DOME

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Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63110

Common Name: smooth hydrangea
Zone: 4 to 9
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: June - August Bloom Data
Bloom Color: White
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low

General Culture:

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade. Tolerates full sun only if grown with constant moisture. Intolerant of drought, with foliage tending to decline considerably in dry conditions. Plants may die to the ground in harsh winters. Bloom occurs on new wood, so plants may be pruned back close to the ground in late winter to revitalize and to encourage vigorous stem growth and best form. If not pruned back, any weakened and/or damaged stems should be removed in early spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Hydrangea arborescens (see K520) is a loosely branched deciduous shrub that is native to the Eastern U. S. In Missouri, it is primarily found growing on wooded slopes, bluff bases, shaded banks, in ravines and along streams primarily south of the Missouri River (Steyermark). WHITE DOME is a patented cultivar that originated in 1997 from a chance pollination of two unidentified selections of Hydrangea arborescens. It is a large, upright, freely-branching, rounded shrub with strong stems that is distinguished by its vigorous growth, large leaves and large dome-shaped inflorescences of white flowers. It typically grows 3-5’ tall. Mostly fertile flowers with a springling of sterile flowers appear in huge, symmetrical, rounded heads (corymbs resembling white domes) which typically grow 6-10” across. Flowers bloom in early June for up to two months. Flowers contrast well with the ovate to elliptic, serrate, dark green leaves (3-8” long). U. S. Plant Patent PP14,168 issued September 23, 2003.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Many species of hydrangea, including this one, are susceptible to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spots, mold, rust and powdery mildew. When moistened by rain, the flower heads of WHITE DOME usually remain erect without drooping. Pruning stems back to the ground in late winter each year helps promote stem vigor.

Uses:

Mass in a part shade area of the mixed shrub border, woodland garden or as background for a perennial border for showy summer flowers and quality foliage.

Contact Information

Automated events hotline: (314) 577-9400 - 1-800-642-8842
Email: glenn.kopp@mobot.org

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