Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle (Smooth Hydrangea)

A favorite of many gardeners – and deservedly so – Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' (Smooth Hydrangea) is an outstanding flowering shrub. In early summer, this small, bushy deciduous shrub produces huge, rounded flower clusters, up to 12 in. across (30 cm), that brighten shady areas and bring life to the garden. Blooming for up to two months, the blossoms open lime-green, mature to brilliant white, then back to pale green in late summer before switching to a tan shade in the fall. Prized for its excellent resistance to insects and diseases, Annabelle is a good choice for the mixed border. The flowers make great cut flowers, fresh or dried.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and winner of the Gold Medal Award of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 3-5 feet tall (90-150 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or dappled shade (the hotter the climate, the more shade is needed). Best grown in average, evenly moist, but well-drained soils. Full sun is tolerated if constant moisture is provided.
• Perfect for shrub or mixed borders, wonderful planted as a flowering hedge, excellent backdrop for your favorite perennials.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, capsid bugs, hydrangea scale, leaf spots.
• Requires little to no pruning. Since Smooth Hydrangea blooms on new wood, pruning has to happen in late winter or early spring to encourage vigorous growth. The harder you prune (even to the ground), the larger the flowerheads will be.
• May cause mild stomach upset if ingested, contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings.
• Hydrangea arborescens species is native to the eastern United States.