Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

C5 Pot | Approx. 50cm Tall

Plant Highlights: Huge rounded white flower heads • Flowers from summer into early autumn • Strong garden presence • Excellent for fresh and dried flower arrangements • Reliable deciduous shrub for borders

Overview

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is one of the best-loved hydrangeas, renowned for its enormous, globe-shaped flower heads that emerge soft green before opening to creamy white and gradually ageing to pale green as the season progresses. Flowering from mid-summer into early autumn, it provides a spectacular display that brightens borders, woodland gardens and lightly shaded areas.

Its broad, rounded habit and generous blooms make it an outstanding feature shrub for mixed borders, cottage gardens and larger containers. The impressive flower heads are also excellent for cutting, whether enjoyed fresh indoors or dried for long-lasting arrangements.

Why We Love It

• Enormous flower heads create a striking summer display.
• Flowers mature through subtle shades of green and creamy white.
• Excellent for both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
• Reliable flowering on new season's growth.
• Adds bold structure and long-lasting interest to borders.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in full sun or partial shade. In Ireland, it performs well in full sun where the soil remains consistently moist, or in partial shade for reliable growth and flowering.

Watering

Water regularly while establishing and during prolonged dry spells, especially if grown in a container. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.

Soil

Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Apply a generous organic mulch each spring to help retain moisture and improve soil structure.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Fully hardy in Ireland and the UK (RHS H7). This variety flowers on the current season's growth, making it dependable even after cold winters. Leave the woody framework over winter if desired, then prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Routine Care

Prune in late winter or early spring by cutting stems back to a healthy framework of buds to encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowering. Some gardeners prefer to leave a taller framework of older stems to provide extra support for the large flower heads.

Perfect For

• Mixed borders.
• Cottage gardens.
• Woodland gardens.
• Large patio containers.
• Fresh and dried flower arrangements.

Good to Know

The large, showy flower heads of 'Annabelle' are made up almost entirely of sterile florets, making them outstanding for ornamental display and cut flowers rather than as a significant nectar source for pollinating insects. The sturdy branching provides attractive structure through the winter months.

Product Information

• Supplied in a C5 pot.
• Approximate supplied height: 50cm (measured at the time of sale).
• Deciduous shrub with exceptionally large rounded white flower heads.
• Flowers from mid-summer into early autumn.
• Ideal for borders, cottage gardens and cut flower displays.
• Thrives in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.