Hydrangea Arborescens Strong Annabelle

Hydrangea Arborescens Strong Annabelle is a deciduous improved cultivar of the popular Hydrangea Annabelle. Strong Annabelle is hardier and has sturdier stems that prevent its large flower heads from flopping and weighing down the shrub. It’s a great choice for woodland borders and country cottage style gardens.

Hydrangea Arborescens is native to the Eastern United States and often called ‘sheep flower’ for its tightly packed white flower heads. Strong Annabelle is a decorative flowering summer shrub that retains all the excellent aspects of Hydrangea Annabelle but adds stronger supporting stems. It’s a touch hardier too, so more suitable for northern areas.

Hydrangea Strong Annabelle has massive 30 cms white flowerheads that don’t turn blue or pink with the soil ph and large ovate mid-green leaves in late spring and throughout the summer. It grows in full sun, partial shade, and in a well-watered and fed container.

Height And Spread of Hydrangea Arborescens Strong Annabelle
Hydrangea Strong Annabelle will reach a maximum height and spread of 1.5 metres.

How Hardy is Hydrangea Arborescens Strong Annabelle
Strong Annabelle was bred to be a hardier version of Hydrangea Annabelle. It withstands minus temperatures in well-drained soil and it can cope with more sun and more exposed aspects than the original.

How To Use Hydrangea Arborescens Strong Annabelle
Strong Annabelle suits a large mixed border with some shade and shelter from harsh winds. Its large flowerheads suit country-style gardens and because it will grow well in a container it does an excellent job of brightening up a deck, patio, or balcony garden.
Flower arrangers prize its massive flower heads that look good in full bloom and in the winter months when they dry out and create skeleton blooms that last for months in a display.

How To Care For Hydrangea Arborescens Strong Annabelle
If you love white hydrangea but have difficulty with Annabelle, then this new cultivar is a great choice. It can withstand more exposed areas and more sun than other hydrangeas but still needs some shelter from harsh winds and burning midday sunlight.
Plant it beneath the canopy of trees or near a windbreak for the best results and apply a thick layer of mulch to the roots in early spring.
Once the plant is fully established and bushing out, you can remove 1/3 of the stems to the base in late winter or early spring to boost its flower display.