Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Common name: Smooth Hydrangea 'Annabelle'

Description: Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is one of the most reliable and spectacular of all hardy shrubs, producing enormous, rounded mophead flower heads — often 25–30cm across — in pure white from midsummer to autumn. Unlike macrophylla hydrangeas, 'Annabelle' flowers entirely on the current year's growth, meaning that even if cut back hard each spring it will always flower reliably — a significant advantage in gardens where late frosts can damage overwintering flower buds. The flowers age gracefully from white through cream to parchment and can be dried for indoor arrangements. It is a vigorous, trouble-free shrub that thrives in a wider range of conditions than most hydrangeas.

Other benefits: flowers on new growth — always reliable regardless of frosts; enormous flower heads; flowers dry beautifully; vigorous and trouble-free; tolerates more shade than most hydrangeas

Wildlife attraction: bees and other pollinating insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1–1.5m x 1.5–2m

Position: partial shade to full sun; sheltered from strong winds which can damage the large flower heads; most soils

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid (pH 5.5–7.0); moist but well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates clay

Moisture: moderate to moist; water regularly, especially in dry periods; mulch annually to retain moisture

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -20°C