Trade Name: FlowerFull® Smooth Hydrangea
Common Name: FlowerFull® Hydrangea
Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (June–July)
USDA Zones: 3–8
Mature Size: 3–4 ft tall × 4–5 ft wide
Introduction
In the heart of summer, when many hydrangeas begin to falter under rain-soaked blooms and heavy flowerheads, FlowerFull® Smooth Hydrangea shines with perfectly domed clusters of pure white flowers. This Proven Winners® introduction is a breakthrough in smooth hydrangea breeding: sturdy, upright stems carry abundant mophead blooms that resist drooping and damage from wind or rain. Whether you’re planting a compact border or seeking a reliable garden performer, FlowerFull® brings a blend of form, function, and hardiness that’s ideal for South East Wisconsin landscapes.
Origins and Description
Hydrangea arborescens—commonly called smooth hydrangea—is native to the woodlands of the eastern United States. Traditional varieties like ‘Annabelle’ set the stage, but FlowerFull® takes performance to the next level. Bred by Bailey Nurseries (PP35,613), FlowerFull® was selected for its exceptional bloom count, disease-resistant foliage, and superior stem strength. Each dome-shaped flowerhead measures up to 8″ across, composed of hundreds of four-petaled florets that emerge crisp white and gradually age to a creamy green. The foliage stays clean and glossy throughout the season, providing a lush backdrop to the stunning blooms.
Ideal Growing Conditions
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Light: FlowerFull® thrives in full sun to partial shade. In South East Wisconsin, provide at least four hours of morning sun, with afternoon shade helping preserve bloom quality on the hottest days.
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Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with good moisture retention. Amend heavy clay with compost to improve aeration, or add organic matter to sandy soils to boost water-holding capacity.
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Moisture: Consistent moisture is key, especially during bloom development. Once established, FlowerFull® tolerates brief dry spells, but regular irrigation will maximize flower size and longevity.
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Hardiness: Rated for USDA Zones 3–8, this smooth hydrangea stands up to -30°F winter lows. A light layer of mulch in late fall helps protect roots and moderates soil temperature.
Planting and Establishment
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Timing: Plant in spring after soil warms (mid-April to early May) or in fall (late September) at least six weeks before the first frost.
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Site Preparation: Clear weeds and grass within the planting area. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and as deep as its height, working compost into the backfill soil (up to 25% by volume).
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Planting: Set the root crown level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming soil to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly.
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Mulching: Apply a 2–3″ layer of organic mulch (wood chips or shredded bark), keeping mulch an inch away from the stems to prevent rot and encourage root insulation.
During the first growing season, water FlowerFull® with roughly 1″ of water per week (rainfall plus supplemental irrigation) to establish a robust root system.
Care and Maintenance
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Watering: Maintain even moisture throughout the flowering period. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal to keep foliage dry and minimize disease risks.
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Fertilization: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer according to package directions. A light follow-up feeding in midsummer can boost late-season bloom if needed.
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Mulch Renewal: Refresh mulch in spring to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate temperature.
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Pest & Disease Management: FlowerFull® offers strong resistance to common hydrangea diseases, including powdery mildew. Good spacing (at least 4′ apart) and air circulation further reduce disease pressure.
Pruning and Propagation
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Pruning: Smooth hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so they respond well to hard pruning. In late winter or early spring, cut stems back to 12–18″ above the ground to encourage vigorous new growth and large flowerheads. Light deadheading of spent blooms can tidy appearance but isn’t strictly necessary for rebloom.
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Propagation: While adventurous gardeners can take softwood cuttings in late spring, most opt to purchase nursery-grown liners to guarantee true-to-type performance and faster establishment.
Landscape Uses and Companions
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Mixed Borders: Its compact habit and clean foliage make FlowerFull® perfect for the middle of mixed shrub and perennial borders.
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Foundation Plantings: Use along foundations or low walls for a repeatable white-bloom statement that bounces light into shaded areas.
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Container Gardening: Grows well in large pots—pair with trailing annuals like sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) or calibrachoa to soften container edges.
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Companion Plants: Complement FlowerFull® with blue-flowered perennials such as Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), catmint (Nepeta × faassenii), or purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) for a cool summer palette.
Conclusion
FlowerFull® Smooth Hydrangea is a game-changer for Southeast Wisconsin gardeners seeking dependable blooms, sturdy stems, and elegant form. Its impressive white mopheads, disease-resistant foliage, and winter hardiness make it a standout choice for borders, containers, and mixed plantings.
If you’re interested in adding some of these to your garden, we sell them online here.