Hydrangea, Annabelle

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Height: 3-5ft
Spread: 4-6ft
Zone: 3-9
Exposure: Part shade
Growth Rate: Fast
Bloom Time/Color: June-September; white
Uses: Specimen, massing, borders, hedge
Maintenance: Low
Other: Cut flower, rabbit resistant, native, fall color

Smooth hydrangeas make excellent midwestern choices for landscapes as they have a long period of bloom and adapt well to our climate and growing conditions. 'Annabelle' has large, rounded clusters of tiny, square-like white flowers that bloom for months throughout the summer. Once flowers fade to papery brown, they may be left on the shrub for winter interest. Large, dark green toothed leaves cover the shrubs through the growing season before turning yellow in fall. They are also noted for their adaptability to varied growing conditions (including tolerances to clay, dry soils, erosion, wet sites, salts, etc.) provided they are sited in part shade in well-drained soils. To maintain consistent moisture levels, smooth hydrangea benefit from a layer of mulch. Rabbit resistant.