Smooth Hydrangea Annabelle

No, it does not change. This is a common misconception due to confusion with the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). 'Annabelle' is a smooth hydrangea and its flowers are always:

• First lime green.
• Then they turn pure creamy white.
• When fading in autumn, they turn green and brown again.

Soil acidity has no effect on the color, only on the overall vitality of the plant.

Container-grown hydrangea seedlings can be planted practically all season, as long as it is not freezing (from spring to autumn). The most suitable dates are:

1. Spring (April–May): The plant has the whole season to root before winter. However, it requires more careful watering in summer.
2. Autumn (September–October): The soil is warm and there is more rainfall, which facilitates establishment.

Avoid planting during the greatest summer heatwaves, when the plant would suffer shock from drought.

Smooth hydrangea requires nutritious, humus-rich, and above all, moist soil. Regarding pH, it is not as demanding as bigleaf hydrangeas. While it prefers slightly acidic soil, it also grows well in neutral soil. It is important only to avoid heavy clay soils that do not drain water, or conversely, extremely dry and sandy places. It does not tolerate pure limestone bedrock.

Unlike other hydrangea species, pruning for the 'Annabelle' cultivar is very radical and simple. Since it blooms on new wood (this year's shoots), we prune early in spring (March), before leaves sprout.

Procedure:

• Cut all last year's shoots low above the ground, leaving only approx. 15–20 cm.
• This deep cut supports the growth of strong stems that can carry the giant flower heads and ensures a dense habit of the shrub.
• If you were not to prune it, the shrub would be sparse and the flowers would be smaller.

This is a typical characteristic of this variety. The flower heads are huge (up to 25 cm) and soak up water after rain, becoming heavy so the stems cannot support them. The solution is:

1. Hard spring pruning: Promotes the growth of stronger stems.
2. Support: Place a circular support or tied stakes around the bush to hold up the flowers (known as plant support rings).
3. Plant it in a location protected from strong winds.

Yellowing of leaves (chlorosis), where the veins remain green but the leaf surface turns yellow, usually indicates:

1. Soil that is too alkaline (limy): The plant cannot absorb iron.
2. Lack of nutrients: Specifically iron or nitrogen.

Solution: Fertilize the plant with a fertilizer for acid-loving plants containing iron or add peat to the soil.

Yes, 'Annabelle' flower heads are excellent for drying. For the best results, cut them only at the end of summer when the flowers begin to feel 'papery' to the touch and change color from white to greenish. Hang them upside down by the stems in a dry, dark, and ventilated place. Dried this way, they will last in a vase all winter.

Yes, care in the first weeks after planting is key for the seedling to establish:

• Watering: Keep the soil constantly moist. The root ball must not dry out.
• Mulching: Mulch the area around the plant with bark (layer approx. 5–7 cm). This helps maintain moisture in the soil and protects roots from overheating and frost.
• Shading: If you planted in summer, it is advisable to shade the plant for a few days from direct midday sun until it gets used to the new location.

Yes, growing in a container is possible, but it is more demanding on care.

• Container size: Must be sufficiently large (diameter at least 40–50 cm).
• Watering: In a pot, the substrate dries out quickly; daily watering will be necessary in summer.
• Overwintering: The container needs to be wrapped for winter (polystyrene, burlap) or sunk into the ground so roots do not freeze, as they are more vulnerable in a pot than in open ground.

Yes, hydrangea is slightly toxic. All parts of the plant (leaves, stems, and flowers) contain the glycoside hydrangin. If ingested in large quantities, it can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In sensitive individuals, contact with the plant's sap can cause skin irritation. We recommend planting it out of the direct reach of small children and puppies that like to chew on plants.

The simplest method is taking softwood cuttings in summer (June/July):

1. Cut off a non-flowering shoot with 2–3 pairs of leaves.
2. Remove the lower leaves and cut the upper ones in half (to reduce water evaporation).
3. Dip the end in rooting hormone and insert it into a mixture of peat and sand.
4. Keep in moisture and shade (e.g., under a jar) until it takes root.

The Latin name Hydrangea comes from the word for water, which hints at its requirements. The 'Annabelle' hydrangea has very high moisture demands, especially in the summer months and during the flowering period.

• The soil should be constantly slightly moist, but not waterlogged.
• On hot days, feel free to water every day, ideally early in the morning or in the evening directly to the roots, not on the leaves.
• If the plant lacks water, it quickly shows this by wilting leaves (it usually recovers quickly after watering).

The 'Annabelle' smooth hydrangea thrives best in partial shade. The ideal spot receives morning or late afternoon sun but is protected from the harsh midday heat, which could scorch the leaves and cause the flowers to wilt. If you ensure sufficiently moist soil and regular watering, it can tolerate a sunnier location. In full shade, it will grow, but it will bloom less and its stems may be leggy and weak.

Annabelle looks wonderful in shady and semi-shady flower beds. Great companions are:

• Hostas: They cover the lower part of the bush with their decorative leaves.
• Astilbe: They add color with their flower panicles.
• Rhododendrons and azaleas: They have the same requirements for acidic soil.
• Ferns: For a natural woodland look.
• Boxwood (Buxus): For a more formal appearance.

Fertilization is suitable for abundant flowering:

• Spring (April): Use a slow-release fertilizer for hydrangeas or rhododendrons (azaleas).
• During the season (until August): You can fertilize with liquid fertilizer in the watering can every 2–3 weeks.
• From September: Stop fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers so the plant has time to harden off before winter.

Organic fertilization with compost also works well.

Smooth hydrangea is fully frost hardy (down to -40 °C), so it overwinters in our conditions without any problems. It requires no complex covering. Only for freshly planted young seedlings do we recommend mounding a layer of mulch bark or evergreen boughs around the roots for the first winter as protection against frost without snow cover.