Hydrangea arborescens 'ANNABELLE' sevenbark, smooth hydrangea

Annabelle is a famous and attractive variety of sevenbark, a hydrangea that can take almost anything. Its large flowers appear in mid summer and are lime-green as they emerge, quickly changing to fantastic pure white. They are spherical panicles, often up to 18 cm across. Leaves are mid to dark green.

Grow this hydrangea if you are in doubt whether the large-leaved macrophylla varieties with coloured flowers will survive your winter. This one will grow happily in USDA zone 3 where winter temperatures drop down to -37°C, and can be cut severely in the spring. We even recommend back pruning to one fourth of the shrub size every spring to encourage new, strong growth.

It will grow in almost any soil type, moist soil that will not too heavy or shallow. Fertlizing is not necessary but the plant will be stronger in humus-rich soil. Don´t forget to water this beauty more frequently as it is dependent on regular water supply. Hardy to min. -37°C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 09-09-2009