| Common Name | Annabelle Hydrangea |
| Botanical Name | Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' |
| Mature Size | 3’ - 5’ tall; 4’ - 6’ wide |
| Sun Exposure | Part shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, well draining |
| Soil pH | 5.5 to 6.5 |
| Bloom Time | Late Spring to Fall |
| Flower Color | White |
| Care | Annabelle hydrangea is considered a low-maintenance shrub that grows well in clay and rocky soils with adequate moisture. This cultivar thrives in rain gardens, borders, and flower beds, and is and outstanding choice for foundation plantings and woodland settings. It's native to the U.S., blooming reliably on new wood every growing season. |
| Soil | Soil acidity does not impact the color of this hydrangea's white flowers. Annabelle hydrangea adapts to soil composition from clay to sandy with pH levels of 5.5 to 6.5. |
| Water | Annabelle hydrangea is not drought tolerant, so it must be watered regularly throughout the growing season to keep soil consistently moist. The leaves and flowers decline in hot, dry conditions. In southern regions you may have to water as much as three times a week. |
| Temperature and Humidity | Temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees F. provide the ideal environment for Annabelle hydrangea. Flowers fade quickly in heat levels above 85 degrees F. The shrub tolerates winter temperatures down to 30 degrees F. For best flowering, it needs a 6- to 8-week period of temperatures around 40 degrees F. |
| Fertilizer | Fertilize Annabelle hydrangea annually at the end of winter with a slow-release, organic, acidic fertilizer with an NPK of 15-10-10 or 10-5-5. Alternatively, treat the leaves with kelp or fish emulsion foliar spray. |
| Pruning | The Annabelle Hydrangea grows blooms on new wood each year. These shrubs are vigorous bloomers, and can handle aggressive pruning. However, as stated above, only prune to 18"-24" if you would like the plant to have stronger limbs. But, you can prune back all the way to the ground each year and these amazing plants will bounce back with beautiful flowers no problem. The only time you should not prune is in the spring, as that is when the shrubs are preparing to bloom. |
| Source | https://www.thespruce.com/annabelle-hydrangea-care-guide-7507139 |
