Hydrangea Arborescens Ruby Annabelle

Hydrangea Ruby Annabelle is a newly bred deciduous hydrangea that only reaches 60cms in height. This dwarf low-growing shrub is a good choice for balconies and compact gardens where every inch counts.

Hydrangea Arborescens is native to Japan and China and was introduced to the UK in the late 1890s. The original plants were tall, growing beneath the shade of trees and near rivers in their native lands, but breeding programs have produced an array of cultivars such as this very useful Hydrangea Arborescens Ruby Annabelle variety. 

Ruby Annabelle is a dwarf shrub with full-sized prolific flowers in pretty ruby pink that bloom throughout the summer and into autumn. Its ovate, dark green foliage falls in late autumn leaving grey-brown branches hardy enough to survive UK winters.

It’s an excellent choice for low-maintenance compact spaces and an ideal plant for growing in pots and containers.

Height And Spread of Hydrangea Arborescens Ruby Annabelle
This is a truly compact dwarf hydrangea that only reaches 60 cms in height and 80 cms in spread.

How Hardy is Hydrangea Arborescens Ruby Annabelle
Hydrangea Ruby Annabelle is frost-hardy and copes with minus temperatures if its roots are well-drained. Its heavy flowerheads benefit from wind shelter and during hot spells a good soak ensures flowers keep blooming across the summer months.

How To Use Hydrangea Arborescens Ruby Annabelle
Excellent in borders and containers on a balcony, patio, or deck it brings a big hit of colourful pink flowers and rich green foliage to dull spaces without getting too large. Cottage-style gardens are popular spots for dwarf hydrangea, as well as low-maintenance gardens and wildlife-friendly spaces.
Its large, pretty blooms are perfect for cut flower arrangements, especially in autumn when they dry out on the shrub creating a light brown papery skeleton that lasts months in indoor displays.

How To Care For Hydrangea Arborescens Ruby Annabelle
Ruby Annabelle is low maintenance and best suits a sunny to a partially shady spot in moist well-drained soil.
Hydrangea enjoys moist soil so it’s important to keep it well watered in hot spells especially if it’s container grown. Container-grown Ruby Annabelle also needs regular food. In early spring add a thick layer of mulch to the roots to trap moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
Pruning isn’t required, but dead or damaged branches can be cut out in early spring. Once established, the shrub can be reinvigorated by cutting back branches to 25 cms.