Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Smooth Hydranga

Deciduous Shrub

Outstanding Qualities
This hydrangea is an exceptional selection of an Eastern US species. It is one of the best white mophead hydrangeas for our area. In summer huge rounded flower heads appear and mature to a gleaming cream and white. As the flowers age in late summer they turn a glowing pale lime green. It is a very easy shrub to grow and will reliably flower every year.

Culture Notes
This hydrangea grows best in full sun to light or open shade. A location protected from hot sun will keep the flowers from prematurely fading or scorching. A rich moist to well-drained soil produces the best growth, although this hydrangea will grow well in sand or clay. It does not like to dry out in summer and will benefit from regular summer watering. In sunny locations or in sandy soil frequent watering during dry weather may be necessary. The flower color of this plant will not change with the acidity of the soil, it will always be white. Pruning to the ground in winter will create lush growth in the spring for the largest blooms. The large flowers are spectacular, but can flop in rain or with overhead watering. Minimal pruning will give more and smaller blooms that are less likely to flop.

Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Regular / Even

Description

Size: 48 - 60 tall x 60 - 96 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded
Foliage Texture: Bold, Coarse
Foliage Quality: Bold, Coarse

Features: Flowers, Long Blooming

Foliage Color: Green

Flower Color: Chartreuse / Lime, Ivory / Cream, White
Bloom Season: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Summer
Flower Shape: Cluster


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Hedges and Screens, Mixed Border, Specimen, Structure / Foundation
Special Situations: Courtyard / Urban Garden, Slug / Snail Resistant
Wildlife: Slug / Snail Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Summer, Fall, Late Summer / Early Fall
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Plant Behavior: Fast Growing / Vigorous
Collections: eGardenGo Favorite, Great Plant Pick, Plants That Earn Their Keep

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium
Maintenance Tasks: Prune annually


Plant Combos