Hydrangea arborescens: Smooth Hydrangea

This small deciduous shrub is native to Eastern and Southeastern U.S.,  including Arkansas.

The plant is generally 4' tall by 5' wide with pure white flowers in May through early July. This plant must be situated in the shade in Arkansas and requires a moist soil rich in organic matter.

The two most common cultivars in the trade are 'Annabelle' and 'Grandiflora'. Both were selected for more showy flower-heads (inflorescence).  A major shift in our long standing thinking about this species took place in 2010 when a pink flowered selection called Invincibelle^R Spirit appeared on the market. That was followed by Bella Anna^R in 2011. 

H. arborescens

H. a. 'Grandiflora'  

H. a. 'Annabelle'  -  found in Anna, IL

H. a. 'Grandiflora' close-up