Botanical profile

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Latin name
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
Common name
'Annabelle' Smooth Hydrangea
Type
Shrub
Family
Hydrangeaceae

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is an iconic ornamental shrub, renowned for its exceptional summer blooms of large white pompons, which can reach 20 to 30 cm in diameter. Its rounded, flexible, and dense habit, combined with lush dark green foliage, makes it an excellent choice for beds, low hedges, borders, or planting in light undergrowth. Very hardy and easy to grow, it tolerates poor soils well, severe pruning in spring, and adapts to sunny to semi-shaded exposures, with a preference for dappled light. 'Annabelle' blooms on new wood, ensuring abundant flowering even after a harsh winter. It combines maximum decorative effect, hardiness, and floriferousness, perfect for structuring summer plantings.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate to regular
Fertilization
Spring, fertilizer for flowering shrubs
Soil type
Rich, fresh, well-drained
Minimum temperature
'-34°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
June to September
Flower color
White
Fruiting
Decorative dry capsules in winter if untrimmed
Foliage color
Dark green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Rounded bushy
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
4.9 ft (1.5 m)
Width
1.5 m (5 ft)
Growth rate
Medium to fast
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.