Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' — commonly called Annabelle hydrangea — is a deciduous flowering shrub prized for its enormous rounded white flower heads that can reach 8–12 inches across. Blooming on new wood from early summer into late summer, it produces masses of creamy-white flowers that often age to soft green before drying attractively for late-season interest. Its broad green foliage and dependable flowering make it one of the most widely planted smooth hydrangeas. 🌿🤍

Type: Deciduous shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 4–5 ft
Height: 3–5 ft

USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Rounded, multi-stemmed shrub

Light: Partial shade to full sun (best with afternoon shade in hotter climates)

Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained soil; prefers consistent moisture but adapts to average garden soils

Features / Wildlife / Landscape Uses:
Large globe-shaped blooms provide strong summer impact in borders, foundation plantings, woodland gardens, and mass plantings. Flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects. Blooms are excellent for fresh or dried cutting, though heavy flower heads may bend stems after rain.

Care:
Prune in late winter or early spring since flowers form on new wood. Cut stems back to encourage sturdy new growth and larger blooms. Mulch to conserve soil moisture. 

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

3-5'

Width

4-5'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green, Yellow

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Mass Planting

Bark

Smooth

Drought tolerant

No