James H. Schutte
Family
Hydrangeaceae
Botanical Name
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
Plant Common Name
Annabelle Hydrangea, Smooth Hydrangea
General Description
This classic hydrangea is known for its stunning display of huge, rounded, creamy white flower clusters borne on compact, vigorous plants in summer. Much showier than the species, ‘Annabelle’ is a form of smooth hydrangea, a deciduous shrub native to woodland areas of the eastern United States. It forms a dense, rounded clump of large, dark green, oval-shaped leaves which taper to a point and have coarsely serrated edges. The globe-like flower clusters appear on the stem tips in early summer, continuing through midsummer. They are composed of mostly sterile flowers with showy tepals (petal-like sepals) which range from pale green to white as they mature, eventually drying to a pale tan at summer’s end. In areas with long summers and pleasant, mild autumn weather, the foliage may turn a pleasing lemon-yellow before reaching winter dormancy.
Grow smooth hydrangea in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Where summers are very warm, provide with continual moisture to avoid browning of foliage. Smooth hydrangea flowers on the current season’s growth, and may be safely cut to the ground in late winter without sacrifice of flowers. This helps to keep the plants compact, and may be necessary if top growth is killed back following a harsh winter. Removal of spent flowers may result in a second bloom display in late summer.
This easy, vigorous shrub may be used as a large, mounded groundcover on moist, shaded hillsides or woodland gardens. ‘Annabelle’ is stunning when grown as a low hedge or grouped as part of a foundation planting, and also makes a lovely border specimen. Its billowy blooms make outstanding fresh cut flowers, and are equally popular for use in dried arrangements.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Width
5'-6' / 1.5m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
