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About this product
Hydrangea a. 'Annabelle' / 2.0 - Litre Container / 30-40Cm
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
Confirmed format: 2 Litre Pot • approx. 40cm supplied height
Plant Highlights: Huge creamy-white flower heads • Flowers for months in summer • Brightens shaded gardens • Excellent for fresh and dried arrangements • Reliable deciduous shrub
Overview
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is one of the most admired flowering shrubs for bringing dramatic summer colour to the garden. Its enormous rounded flower heads emerge soft lime-green before opening to creamy white, creating a striking display that lasts for weeks. As the season progresses, the blooms gradually age to gentle green tones, extending their ornamental value well into autumn. Its naturally rounded habit makes 'Annabelle' a beautiful choice for mixed shrub borders, woodland-style planting and larger containers. The fresh green foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the oversized blooms, while the flowers combine effortlessly with ferns, hostas, ornamental grasses and other shade-tolerant perennials.
Why We Love It
Produces spectacular, oversized creamy-white flower heads during a long season from summer into early autumn. Brightens partially shaded borders with fresh, elegant colour, while the blooms are excellent for fresh and dried floral arrangements. Flowers reliably each year on new season's growth.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Smooth Hydrangea |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub |
| Position | Full sun or partial shade |
| Soil | Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil |
| Flower Colour | Lime-green buds opening creamy white, ageing to soft green |
| Flowering Period | Mainly July to September |
| Foliage | Mid-green, deciduous |
| Mature Height | Approximately 1–1.5m |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 1–1.5m |
| Growth Habit | Rounded, bushy |
| Hardiness | RHS H7 (below −20°C). |
Growing Guide
| Position | Grow in full sun or partial shade. In warmer or more exposed gardens, some afternoon shade helps the flowers remain fresh for longer. Choose a sheltered position where the large flower heads are protected from strong winds. |
|---|---|
| Watering | Water regularly while the shrub establishes and during prolonged dry spells, particularly in its first few growing seasons. Container-grown plants will require more frequent attention during warm weather. |
| Soil | Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that drains well. Adding organic matter before planting helps retain moisture while improving soil structure. In heavier Irish soils, ensure good drainage to prevent prolonged winter waterlogging. |
| Pruning | 'Annabelle' flowers on new growth, making pruning straightforward. In late winter or early spring, cut the previous year's stems back to a strong framework of healthy buds to encourage vigorous new shoots and large flower heads. |
Perfect For
- Mixed shrub borders
- Woodland-style gardens
- Feature planting
- Large patio containers
- Fresh and dried flower arrangements
Good to Know
- The flower heads often remain attractive well into autumn, gradually fading to soft green before drying naturally on the plant, extending the season of interest even after flowering has finished.
Product Information
| Format | Supplied in a 2-litre container |
|---|---|
| Supplied Height | Approximately 30–40cm tall |
| Please Note | Images show representative mature plants and are intended as a guide. Living plants naturally vary with the season and stage of growth. |
Growing & care
- Plant type
- shrub
- Position & light
- Full sun· Partial shade· Sheltered
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Acid neutral· Neutral alkaline· Well drained· Moist
- Mature size
- 1.5m high· 1.5m wide
- Flowering
- July to September· White· Green· Multicolour
- Foliage
- deciduous
Useful to know
Good for containersGood for borders
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