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Posted 05/09/2023 in Shrub

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

The Unflappable Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Picture a shrub that bursts with giant, snowball-like blooms, shrugs off pests and diseases, and thrives in sun or shade. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, meet the Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle', the undisputed queen of low-maintenance, high-impact landscaping.

The Showstopper in Blossoms of Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle':

'Annabelle' isn't shy about her beauty. From early summer to mid-July, this deciduous shrub produces colossal clusters of pure white flowers, each bloom reaching up to 8 inches in diameter. Imagine fluffy, textured globes adorning the deep green foliage, creating a dramatic and whimsical effect. 

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' Is Not Just a Pretty Face

Beyond its stunning looks, 'Annabelle' offers gardeners a wealth of benefits:

  • Versatility: Plant her in full sun for the most blooms, or dappled shade for a longer show. She's happy anywhere!
  • Hardiness: Cold-tolerant down to zone 3, 'Annabelle' bounces back from harsh winters with ease.
  • Resilience: Deer and rabbit resistant, she stands tall against pesky herbivores.
  • Low-maintenance: Water her deeply during dry spells, but otherwise, she's happy to fend for herself.
  • Pollinator magnet: Butterflies and bees flock to her sweet nectar, adding a buzz of life to your garden.

Interesting Facts About Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

  • 'Annabelle' is a native North American, hailing from the eastern United States.
  • Unlike many hydrangeas, she blooms on new wood, so even a harsh pruning won't stop her floral fireworks.
  • Her name comes from Anna, Illinois, where the cultivar was discovered growing wild in the 1960s.

Designing with Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

This adaptable beauty shines in various roles:

  • As a solo star: Plant her in a prominent spot and let her steal the show.
  • A backdrop for drama: Pair her with colorful perennials like daylilies or coneflowers.
  • Softening hardscapes: Plant her near patios or walkways for a touch of nature's elegance.
  • Creating privacy: Form a hedge with multiple 'Annabelles' for a stunning and functional border.

The Final Bloom

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie, 'Annabelle' is a must-have for your outdoor haven. Her effortless beauty, adaptability, and resilience make her a true garden gem. So, give her a try and witness the magic of this unassuming superstar unfold in your own backyard!

Bonus Tip: Prune your 'Annabelle' in late winter or early spring to encourage even bigger blooms. Simply cut back the stems to ground level before new growth emerges.

Other Plants You May Be Interested In:

Hydrangea paniculata 'Baby Lace'
Viburnum rhytidophyllum

Post Details

Latin Name
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
Common Name
While 'Annabelle' hydrangeas are generally considered pest- and disease-resistant, they can still be susceptible to a few issues under certain conditions. Here are some potential insect and disease problems to watch out for: Leaf Rollers, Japanese Beetles., Aphids, leaf spot, powdery mildew, Botrytis blight.
Planting Zone
Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9
Light Condition
Part Shade Full Shade
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Special Interest
Attracts Butterflies
Bloom Season
Summer
Flower Color
White
Height
3-5 ft
Spread
4-6 ft
Suggested Uses
Grouping Accent Cottage Garden Pollinator Garden Woodland Gardens Shrub Borders Mass
Potential Pests
Bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.

Plant Story

The Unflappable Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Picture a shrub that bursts with giant, snowball-like blooms, shrugs off pests and diseases, and thrives in sun or shade. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, meet the Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle', the undisputed queen of low-maintenance, high-impact landscaping.

The Showstopper in Blossoms of Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle':

'Annabelle' isn't shy about her beauty. From early summer to mid-July, this deciduous shrub produces colossal clusters of pure white flowers, each bloom reaching up to 8 inches in diameter. Imagine fluffy, textured globes adorning the deep green foliage, creating a dramatic and whimsical effect. 

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' Is Not Just a Pretty Face

Beyond its stunning looks, 'Annabelle' offers gardeners a wealth of benefits:

  • Versatility: Plant her in full sun for the most blooms, or dappled shade for a longer show. She's happy anywhere!
  • Hardiness: Cold-tolerant down to zone 3, 'Annabelle' bounces back from harsh winters with ease.
  • Resilience: Deer and rabbit resistant, she stands tall against pesky herbivores.
  • Low-maintenance: Water her deeply during dry spells, but otherwise, she's happy to fend for herself.
  • Pollinator magnet: Butterflies and bees flock to her sweet nectar, adding a buzz of life to your garden.

Interesting Facts About Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

  • 'Annabelle' is a native North American, hailing from the eastern United States.
  • Unlike many hydrangeas, she blooms on new wood, so even a harsh pruning won't stop her floral fireworks.
  • Her name comes from Anna, Illinois, where the cultivar was discovered growing wild in the 1960s.

Designing with Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

This adaptable beauty shines in various roles:

  • As a solo star: Plant her in a prominent spot and let her steal the show.
  • A backdrop for drama: Pair her with colorful perennials like daylilies or coneflowers.
  • Softening hardscapes: Plant her near patios or walkways for a touch of nature's elegance.
  • Creating privacy: Form a hedge with multiple 'Annabelles' for a stunning and functional border.

The Final Bloom

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie, 'Annabelle' is a must-have for your outdoor haven. Her effortless beauty, adaptability, and resilience make her a true garden gem. So, give her a try and witness the magic of this unassuming superstar unfold in your own backyard!

Bonus Tip: Prune your 'Annabelle' in late winter or early spring to encourage even bigger blooms. Simply cut back the stems to ground level before new growth emerges.

Other Plants You May Be Interested In:

Hydrangea paniculata 'Baby Lace'
Viburnum rhytidophyllum

Special Care Instructions

While 'Annabelle' is generally low-maintenance, consider these special care tips to keep her thriving:

Watering:

  • Moist, not soggy: Aim for consistently moist soil, especially during hot or dry periods. Water deeply and infrequently, avoiding overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
  • Mulch matters: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Pruning:

  • Winter magic: Prune hard in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back all stems to ground level to encourage vigorous new growth and larger blooms.
  • Deadwood and florets: Throughout the season, remove dead or diseased branches and spent flower heads to maintain tidy growth and promote airflow.

Sun and Shade:

  • Adaptable sun lover: 'Annabelle' thrives in full sun for the most blooms but tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
  • Morning sun, afternoon shade: Aim for a balance of sunshine and shade to prevent wilting in extreme heat.

Soil and pH:

  • Well-drained is key: Plant in well-draining soil to avoid root rot. Amend clay soils with compost or sand for better drainage.
  • pH flexibility: While 'Annabelle' tolerates a wide range of pH, slightly acidic soil (around 6.0-6.5) can encourage bluer flower color.

Fertilizing:

  • Light feeder: 'Annabelle' doesn't require heavy feeding. A single application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth is sufficient.
  • Phosphorus boost: Use a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content (like a 15-30-15) to encourage abundant blooms.

Pests and Diseases:

  • Watchful eye: Inspect regularly for signs of pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, or leaf rollers. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used for control.
  • Fungal foes: Powdery mildew and leaf spots can occur in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent them. Fungicides can be used in severe cases.

Supporting those heavy blooms:

  • Stake it up: As the large flower heads bloom, they can weigh down the stems. Consider using stakes for support, especially in windy locations.

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