Hydrangea a. 'Grandiflora' Hills of Snow

Hills of Snow Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Grandiflora’ — commonly called Hills-of-Snow hydrangea — is a classic smooth hydrangea cultivar valued for its rounded clusters of creamy-white flowers that appear in early to mid-summer. This deciduous shrub forms a rounded mound of dark green foliage and produces large snowball-like flower heads that brighten woodland gardens and borders. It blooms on new wood, making it reliable even after harsh winters.

Type: Deciduous shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 4–6 ft
Height: 4–5 ft

USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Rounded, upright, multi-stemmed shrub

Light: Partial shade to full sun (best with consistent moisture)

Soil: Average, well-drained soils; prefers moist, humus-rich soil

Water: Moderate; performs best with steady moisture during the growing season

Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects typical of smooth hydrangeas.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Large dome-shaped white flower heads (6–8 in. across); blooms late spring into summer; useful for borders, woodland gardens, hedges, or mass plantings; flowers good for cutting and drying.

Care:
Prune in late winter or early spring since it flowers on current season’s growth. Cutting stems back hard can rejuvenate plants and produce larger flower clusters. Provide mulch and consistent watering during dry periods for best performance. 

Height

4-5'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Full Sun

Bloom time

Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact Rounded

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No