Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Light Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Annabelle hydrangea is a no-fuss hydrangea, well suited to a part or filtered-sun border or foundation planting. It has a rounded, dense form, and grows to about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Leaves emerge a soft green and slightly pubescent, and grow into roundish, salad-plate-sized leaves. White flowers appear June thru August in huge, symmetrical, rounded heads which typically grow 8 to 12 inches across. Flowers persist well through the fall. Excellent cut fresh or dried. Wonderful in a shrub, mixed, or foundation border.

Grow in well-drained, loamy soil in part shade. Intolerant of drought, with foliage tending to decline considerably in dryish conditions, though it rebounds well. Unlike the pink or blue hydrange, Annabell grows well in our soils with little fuss or bother; just some mid-day shade and weekly-ish watering. Blooms on new wood, and may be pruned back close to the ground in late winter each year to revitalize and to encourage vigorous stem growth and best form. Plants may die to the ground in harsh winters. If not pruned back, any weakened and/or damaged stems should be removed in early spring. Pruning hard will keep it around 3 to 4 feet tall.