Large, crisp white blooms make a statement against a background of dark green, sharply toothed foliage.
This shrub is also tolerant of theblack walnut tree.All hydrangeas are toxic to animals.
Annabelle Hydrangea Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing Annabelle hydrangea.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Light
Plant Annabelle hydrangea where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
The shrub tolerates full sun only in locations that are consistently moist.
It can survive in full shade, though blooms may be diminished without some sun exposure.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
Soil acidity does not impact the color of an Annabelle hydrangea’s white flowers.
The leaves and flowers decline in hot, dry conditions.
In southern regions you may have to water as much as three times a week.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Flowers fade quickly in heat levels above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The shrub tolerates winter temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
For best flowering, it needs a six- to eight-week period of temperatures around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Alternatively, treat the leaves with kelp orfish emulsionfoliar spray.
They should be removed in late winter, along with any diseased or damaged branching.
Annabelle hydrangea can also be cut to ground level in winter or when the growing season ends.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Leave several old-growth branches to support new growth and the large, heavy flowerheads.
Propagating Annabelle Hydrangea
Annabelle hydrangea is propagated with softwood cuttings taken in the spring.
Here is how to increase your hydrangea collection.
Maintain a 3-inch layer of wood chips or pine straw and add more in the fall if needed.
Mulch will also help retain soil moisture.
When you find distorted foliage or leaves stuck together, this small, black-headed caterpillar is likely responsible.
Organic pesticide BTK is effective as a preventive if applied on new leaves in the spring.
If caterpillars have established cocoons, remove and dispose of the leaves and any damaged flower buds.
Leaf spot,powdery mildew,and rust aren’t common but these fungal infections can affect Annabelle hydrangea.
Manage these issues with proper moisture and sunlight exposure.
In severe cases, spray foliage with the recommended fungicide.
Blooming continues through August with a brief re-blooming phase in autumn.
What Do Annabelle Hydrangea’s Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Annabelle hydrangea has colossal 12-inch clusters of dozens of small white flowers that cover the shrub in prolific numbers.
Flower heads are uniform and rounded, resembling large snowballs.
Buds are green but turn white when fully open and hold color until autumn when they fade to tan.
Annabelle hydrangea’s flowers do not have a scent.
Common Problems With Annabelle Hydrangea
This smooth hydrangea cultivar is relatively problem-free.
Plant is Drooping
A drooping Annabelle hydrangea may need water.
Annabelle hydrangeas are not drought tolerant and require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
The plant may be receiving too much sun which may make the hydrangea droop, as well.
No Blooms
Annabelle hydrangeas need sufficient water and light to develop buds to bloom.
Leaves Turning Brown
Your Annabelle hydrangea may be suffering from scorch.
Scorch occurs from dry winds, extreme sunlight, or underwatering.
An Annabelle hydrangea will do best in a spot that has plenty of morning sun and some afternoon shade.
The plant may do fine in full sun if the soil is kept adequately watered.
Annabelle hydrangea will spread to 4 to 6 feet wide at a height of 3 to 5 feet tall.
It can also be left to overwinter and pruned back in late winter to make way for new growth.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Hydrangea.
