Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

The Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is famous for producing enormous, spherical white flower heads that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. These massive blooms are so heavy that they often weigh the stems down to the ground after a heavy rain.

The 'Annabelle' hydrangea was discovered growing in the wild near Anna, Illinois, around 1910. It was subsequently propagated and introduced to the nursery trade, eventually becoming one of the most popular smooth hydrangeas in the world.

Unlike some hydrangeas that bloom on old wood, the 'Annabelle' smooth hydrangea blooms on new wood, meaning it should be pruned back heavily in late winter or early spring. Cutting the stems down to the ground encourages stronger growth and prevents the heavy flowers from flopping over.

No, unlike the blue and pink macrophylla hydrangeas, the 'Annabelle' smooth hydrangea will remain white regardless of the soil's pH level. The flowers may naturally fade to a pale green or brown as they age through the summer, but you cannot change them to pink or blue.