'Annabelle' is a smooth hydrangea cultivar that features much larger flowers than the species. It is a deciduous shrub with a rounded habit that typically grows 3-5' tall. Bloom occurs on new wood, so plants may be pruned back close to the ground in late winter to revitalize and encourage vigorous stem growth and best form. If not pruned back, any weakened and/or damaged stems should be removed in early spring.
Hydrangea arborescens, commonly known as smooth hydrangea or wild hydrangea, is a loosely and widely branched deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3-6’ (less frequently to 10’) tall. It is native to moist or rocky wooded slopes, ravines, streambanks, and bluff bases from New York to Florida west to Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
'Annabelle' is a naturally occurring cultivar that was discovered in the wild near Anna, Illinois.
Good cut flower.
Part shade
Zones 3-9