Overview
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, hedges and cut flowers. It is native to Eastern United States.
About
Hydrangea arborescens, commonly known as smooth hydrangea or sevenbark, is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae. It is a small- to medium-sized, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub up to 2 m (7 ft) tall that is native to the eastern United States.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea arborescens
About the genus
Hydrangea is a genus of more than 70 species of flowering plants native to Asia and the Americas. Hydrangea is also used as the common name for the genus; some are also often called hortensia. The genus was first described from Virginia in North America, but by far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Korea, and Japan.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hydrangea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hydrangea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, hedges, cut flowers
- Native to
- Eastern United States
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture; benefits from regular watering
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage strong growth and large flower heads
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Capsid bug, Hydrangea scale, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, Powdery mildew, Grey moulds, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture; benefits from regular watering.
Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'?
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' prefers full sun. It suits full sun to partial shade positions.
What soil does Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' need?
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage strong growth and large flower heads.
Is Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' hardy in the UK?
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'?
Softwood cuttings, division.
More in the Hydrangea genus
- Hydrangea longifolia
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Frau Katsuko' (Lady Series) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Oregon Pride' (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rosewarne Lace' (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rotkehlchen' (Teller Series) (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sweet Verena'PBR (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla Chocolate Ever Belles ('Hokomachoko'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea