KTRS 550 Inside Out Show June 12 Annabell Hydrangea

by MaryAnn Fink
Conservation Specialist
copyright 2010

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arboresence)

Smooth hydrangea is native to southern parts of Missouri and Illinois. H. 'Annabelle' is an extremely large flowering selection that was found growing in the wild near Anna, Illinois.

This easy flowering shrub has huge blossoms that progress through the season in a range of colors that is nothing less than scrumptious! Each flower begins as tight cluster of buds in a shade of crisp cucumber. As the weeks pass by the petals begin to unfurl, fading to the color of frozen margaritas.

By Mid-June, an established well sited H. ‘Annabell’ is nearly covered with melon size blossoms. The shades of green will have given way to creamy marshmallow white.

The flowers continue to be the focal point as the milky white blossoms slip into a zinfandel blush that deepens in September and October. By winter the season long display of flowers still hasn't ended. The flowers have dried in place, finishing the year a soft champagne beige. This hydrangea is totally satisfying at every stage!

This Hydrangea is frequently chosen for commercial use because of her reliable performance and her spumoni –like color contribution to a foundation planting.

This hydrangea is easily grown in average well-drained soil in filter shade or morning sun / afternoon shade. She is intolerant of extended periods of drought and even short dry spells will affect bloom size and appearance. This is one of the few species of Hydrangea that blooms on new wood!

Care Factor Rating: 2 Very little care is needed with this hydrangea beyond supplemental watering during extended dry periods and minimal pruning.

Prune an established ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea in late winter / early spring. Trim dormant branches 10 to 12 inches above ground. (Cutting any shorter could result in weak stems that might not be able to support blooms and may need additional support.)

H. 'Annabelle' may die to the ground in harsh winters but her roots will remain viable. The shrub will then re-establish her top growth. If this happens, still prune the branches to 10-12” above ground and wait to see if the stems are truly dead. This will be fairly obvious only after new growth is evident. Once foliage has fully expanded, remove any dead twigs.