Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle': Exceptional Large-Flowered Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is renowned for its exceptional and enormous creamy flowerheads up to one foot across, forming billowy, flattened spheres that withstand rain well. Leaves are large and downy. The heavy, rounded flowerheads cause the plant to spill outward. It is good for grouping in lawns or mixed shrub borders and is native to the southeastern U.S.

Care

Prefers shade from midday sun. Blooms on current season's wood throughout summer; best pruned to 6 inches high in early spring.

Propagation

Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter.

Problems

Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.

Overview

• Height: 3–6 ft.
• Spread: 3–6 ft.
• Growth Habit: Spreads
• Growth Pace: Moderate Grower
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium Moisture
• Maintenance: Low
• Characteristics: Native, Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Flower Color: White
• Uses: Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Screening
• Style: Cottage Garden, Woodland Garden
• Seasonal Interest: Summer Interest
• Tolerance: Frost Tolerant
• Type: Shrubs