Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle

Hydrangea Annabelle is a deciduous shrub valued for its large, rounded flower heads and softly structured garden habit. The blooms open light green, mature to white, then develop green and tan tones as they age. Growing to approximately 1.5 m high and wide, it suits a shaded feature position, a mixed or cottage-style border, or a mass planting where its summer display can be enjoyed. The flowers may also be cut for fresh or dried arrangements.

Key features

• Botanical name: Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
• Plant type: deciduous flowering shrub
• Mature height: approximately 1.5 m
• Mature width: approximately 1.5 m
• Flower colour: light green, becoming white, then green to tan with age
• Flower form: rounded heads approximately 25–30 cm across
• Flowering season: summer to autumn
• Growth habit: rounded and bushy
• Position: partial shade; full sun only where soil moisture is consistent
• Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained

Growing in Australia

For Australian gardens, a position with partial shade and protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying wind is a practical choice. Annabelle needs regular water and is not suited to a dry root zone. Its approximately 1.5 m by 1.5 m mature size makes it useful where a substantial but manageable flowering shrub is wanted. Flowering occurs on new wood, so the plant can be managed without preserving the previous season's flowering stems. Performance and exact flowering time may vary with local climate, soil and seasonal conditions.

Care tips

Water deeply and regularly, especially during establishment and hot or dry weather. Apply mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the stems. Feed during active growth with a fertiliser suitable for flowering shrubs, following the label. Because Annabelle flowers on new wood, pruning in late winter can remove weak or damaged growth and help maintain a tidy framework. Watch for wilting during warm weather and avoid prolonged waterlogging.

Best uses

• Shaded feature planting
• Mixed or cottage-style borders
• Mass planting
• Fresh and dried flowers

Purchase note

Available from Summer Garden. Product availability and plant size may vary by season.

FAQs

How large does Hydrangea Annabelle grow?

It grows to approximately 1.5 m high and 1.5 m wide.

What colour are Annabelle hydrangea flowers?

The rounded flower heads open light green, become white, then age to green and tan tones.

Where should Hydrangea Annabelle be planted?

Choose partial shade and fertile, moist but well-drained soil, with protection from harsh sun and drying wind.