Annabelle Hydrangea

Characteristics & Cultural Requirements

Height: 3-5’ Spread: 4-6’

Habit/Form: Loosely rounded

Hardiness Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Part shade

Soil: Well-drained, Medium moisture

Ornamental Features

This smooth Hydrangea cultivar is a favorite of one of our office staff, as she enjoys the whimsical, old-fashioned look it adds to the garden and loves that it makes a great cut flower, which can be dried for use in home decor! Annabelle Hydrangea has been a staple and favorite in gardens for some time for a reason. Not only is it low maintenance in the right location, but a hardy, long-lasting garden plant, sure to please. The dark green leaves with pale green underside provide a nice backdrop in any garden, but the main event starts in June when the large 8’’-12” white flower heads emerge and cover the shrub. This showstopper can bloom up to two months and additionally add fall and winter interest if the flower heads are left on the plant to dry to a tan color. Annabelle Hydrangea is most at home in a partially shaded area with moderate moisture, but will perform in full sun if it receives consistent moisture. They do not tolerate drought. The blooms occur on new wood, so it is commonly recommended to cut them back close to the ground in late winter. Doing so will encourage strong shoot development and even, overall growth.

Landscape Uses

Annabelle Hydrangea is at home in a variety of garden settings. Allow it to steal the show in mass or group plantings. Use it as a specimen in a mixed shrub border or in woodland gardens. It creates a lovely, soft backdrop to perennial borders and gets along well in naturalized/native woodland plantings.