Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle') hy-DRAIN-jah ar-bor-RES-senz Genus:  Hydrangea Exceptional and enormous creamy flowerheads up to one foot across form billowy, flattened spheres that withstand the rain well. Leaves are large and downy. Noteworthy Characteristics:  'Annabelle' spills outward because of its heavy, rounded flowerheads. It is good for grouping a few plants in the lawn or in a mixed shrub border. Care:  Prefers shade from midday sun. It blooms on current season's wood throughout the summer, and is best pruned to 6 inches high in early spring. It is native to the southeast U.S. 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 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 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