Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' (smooth hydrangea)

smooth hydrangea (3 gal)


'Annabelle' is one of the most popular and widely recognized of the old flowering shrubs found in American gardens. It is a naturally occurring cultivar of smooth or wild hydrangea that was discovered in Illinois in 1910. It has much larger flowers than the species. Creamy, six-inch flowerheads form rounded spheres above heart-shaped leaves from June through frost. 'Annabelle' is good for grouping a few plants in the lawn or in a mixed shrub border. Prefers shade from midday sun. Grows 3–5' tall by 4–6' wide. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates full sun only if grown with consistent moisture. Bloom occurs on new wood, so plants may be pruned back close to the ground in late winter to revitalize and to encourage vigorous stem growth and best form. 'Annabelle' has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. 

Wild hydrangea is native to the eastern U.S. It is mainly found in moist soils under a hardwood forest canopy and is often common along woodland road banks and streams. It is a host plant of the hydrangea sphinx moth. Supports and attracts bees and butterflies. Note that the 'Annabelle' cultivar's leaves provide food for insects, but its showy flowers are mostly sterile, whch means they have been found to be less useful to pollinators. 

 

**Note: You will be asked upon checkout to create an account. This is optional and is not required to process payment or to register.**


Currently out of stock