Product Details
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is a mounding shrub that grows 3–5′ high with a wider spread. In July, it produces huge (8–12″) round heads of pure white blooms that remain attractive into September and can be cut for fresh or dried arrangements.
Its small scale and summer flowering make it a good choice for the mixed border. 'Annabelle' Hydrangea is most at home in partial shade and evenly moist but well-drained soil; she’ll grow in full sun if moisture is ample. Because she flowers heavily on the current season’s growth (“new wood”), most gardeners cut the stems to the ground in late winter. New shoots emerge from the base and bloom the same summer. Not a good choice for gardeners in the desert Southwest. Blooms on new wood.
Hydrangea is a valuable genus of some 100 species of shrubs and vines grown for their large and very showy flower heads. Hydrangeas are at their best in summer and fall—a quiet time for most woody plants—and are worth having for that reason alone. For more information on Hydrangea care, click on Growing Guide.
Shipping
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
Reviews
Reviews
Average Customer Rating:
(10 Reviews)
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Annabelle too big 
A viewer from Peoria Illinois
We planted Annabelle hydrangeas a few years ago. I consider them invasive. They sent out roots that produce more bushes. They get tall and fall over. Even though we don’t fertilize them. They block my door. I keep cutting them back. They may be perfect for some situations but not mine.
Beautiful 
A viewer from North Carolina
I planted Annabelle in the summer of 2019. in a mix of the red clay in my yard and some dirt from Home Depot. It produced one enormous flower that lasted for months. Now that it is in it's second summer, it's about 3 1/2 feet tall 2-3 feet wide. It has 18 beautiful flowers. So far it's taller than wide, but it looks as if it's starting to round out. Beautiful.
32 of 33 people found this review helpful. Do you? yes no Certified buyer
Growth Spurt in Year 2 - Beautiful!
A viewer from Massachusetts
I purchased one of these in the fall of 2018, and planted it. No fertilizer, no irrigation system. In 2019 it produced 3 beautiful white blooms, though didn't gain much in terms of size. Now in Spring 2020 the bush has really taken off. It's 4x what it was at the end of winter, and several blooms are getting started. I am extremely happy with this plant.
27 of 28 people found this review helpful. Do you? yes no Certified buyer
Waiting to see plants appear as advertised 
Kate from Dutchess County, NY
I ordered 3 Annabelle, all are in full sun, same soil and irrigated. This is the second full summer in the ground. One plant has grown beautifully. Another plant hasn't grown as tall as the first, but still decent size and really struggles to hold itself up, I had to buy plant support rods and a mini fence to pick this weak floppy plant off the mulch and it still looks a bit sad. The third plant is still very tiny, half strong enough to hold itself up and half laying on the ground, I'm also trying to assist it with plant rods and a mini fence. None of the 3 plants are blooming white flowers, they've had nothing other than green blooms. Will the third summer be better? I guess I'll wait and see, but to date I'm not really impressed.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful. Do you? yes no Certified buyer
In love with Annabelle
Alyson from Massachusetts
This hydrangea, as others have said, is tough as nails. I planted it last year with very little care, and it's already flowering this year. It's growing well and needs very little maintenance. Love this shrub!
38 of 40 people found this review helpful. Do you? yes no Certified buyer
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Growing guide
Growing guide
Print Grow Guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: hye-dran'jee-uh
Growing H. arborescens
Light/Watering: Most varieties thrive in full sun in the North, but in the South require afternoon shade. Moist soils that do not dry out are best; do not plant in hot, dry, exposed sites. Mulch to conserve moisture and buffer soil temperatures.
Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Fertilize once in spring with a fertilizer designed to encourage blooms (such as 15-30-15). Soils should be moist but well drained, and rich in organic matter.
Pests/Diseases: None serious. Occasionally powdery mildew will infect the foliage, especially in humid areas with poor air circulation. Treat with an appropriate fungicide if the problem is serious, and be sure to rake up and destroy all fallen foliage in the autumn.
Pruning: In early spring, cut stems back by about one-third their total height, which builds a strong woody base. Hydrangea arborescens blooms on new wood.
Reflowering: You may cut the first flowering stems of H. arborescens and hang to dry for arrangements; rebloom may then occur in August or September.
Transplanting: Young plants may be transplanted when dormant in early spring; larger tree-form varieties are difficult to move once established, but it can be done. Prune top growth after transplanting to reduce water loss.
End of Season Care: Rake up and destroy any fallen foliage that was infected by powdery mildew or other fungi.
Calendar of Care
Early Spring: Cut stems back by about one-third their total height, which builds a strong woody base while also encouraging abundant new growth for lots of flowers and a lush, full look. Feed plants with a fertilizer high in phosphorus (such as 15-30-15) to encourage blooms. Complete any transplanting before leaves unfurl.
Mid-Spring: Mulch plants after soil has warmed to conserve moisture and buffer soil temperatures. Watch for powdery mildew and treat as needed.
Summer: Cut flowering stems from H. arborescens and hang to dry if desired.
Fall: Remove and destroy any fallen foliage that was infected by powdery mildew.
For more information on growing Hydrangeas, click here.
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