Garden hydrangea - Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' (correctly: Hydrangea arborescens) is one of the most popular and reliable shrub hydrangeas. It is prized for its very large, spherical white flowers, which appear abundantly in summer.

The flowers form on new wood, which means it blooms reliably even after harsh winters or severe pruning. The flower heads can reach 20–30 cm in diameter. They start out pale green, turn pure white, then gradually become lime green and beige as they age. The shrub has a rounded shape and grows 1–1.5 m tall (sometimes up to 2 m), with broad, deep green leaves.

Key features:

• Very large, spherical white flowers
• Blooms on new wood (very reliable after frost)
• Compact, rounded shape
• Excellent frost resistance
• Size: usually 1–1.5 m tall and wide

Easy care:

• Light: Partial shade to full sun. In areas with very hot summers, it prefers partial shade.
• Temperature: Very frost-hardy (down to -25…-30°C in suitable areas).
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently slightly moist, especially during warm periods. It does not tolerate prolonged drought.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained, preferably slightly acidic or neutral.
• Pruning: Can be cut back hard in spring (even to 20–30 cm above the ground), as it blooms on new shoots.

Recommended potting mix:
For planting in the garden or in large pots, a high-quality, rich, well-drained soil is recommended.

→ Premium universal potting soil (Netherlands) - Secret Garden

Uses:
Excellent for borders, group plantings, as a specimen plant, or in English and romantic-style gardens. The flowers are also excellent for fresh or dried bouquets. It is one of the most reliable hydrangea choices for Romania's climate.

Note: The very large flower heads can weigh down the shoots, especially after rain. To prevent this, the shrubs can be supported or pruned a little shorter in spring to encourage stronger shoots.

Pot diameter: 17 cm
Height including pot: approx. 60 cm

Note: During the cold season, garden plants are sold without leaves and cut back to encourage branching.