Annabelle Smooth Hydrangea

Annabelle Smooth Hydrangea

5 Gallon
$69.90
Sale price  $69.90 Regular price 
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Annabelle Smooth Hydrangea
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Annabelle Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens Incrediball®

A classic, hardy hydrangea with enormous, pure white, snowball-like flower clusters (up to 12 inches) from early summer to fall.

$69.90
Sale price  $69.90 Regular price 
Size5 Gallon

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is a beloved, classic deciduous shrub, famous for its enormous, spectacular, snowball-like clusters of pure white flowers that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. This hardy, vigorous plant produces its massive, rounded blooms on new wood from early summer through fall, creating a stunning display that is a staple in gardens across the country. Its large, coarse, dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop for the bright white flowers, which fade to a soft, pale green as they age, extending the season of interest.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Foliage: Large, ovate-pointed dark green leaves with coarse texture and serrated edges,Flowers: Enormous spherical flower clusters (up to 12") of pure white florets,Habit: Compact, upright deciduous shrub with sturdy stems
  • Mature Height: 4-5 ft
  • Mature Width: 4-5 ft
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Light Needs: Partial shade to full sun (morning sun preferred)
  • Key Advantages:Massive, showy flower heads,Blooms on both old and new wood,Strong stems support heavy blooms without staking,Repeat blooming from early summer to fall,Excellent cut and dried flower
  • Landscape Uses:Low flowering hedges,Foundation plantings,Mixed borders,Container gardening,Cut flower gardens
  • Special Care:Pruning: Optional - can prune in late winter for shape,Soil: Moist, well-drained; benefits from organic matter,Water: Consistent moisture (drought sensitive),Fertilizer: Balanced formula in early spring
  • Seasonal Interest:Flowers: Early summer to fall,Foliage: Yellow fall color
FAQs

Q: How should I prune 'Annabelle' hydrangea?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring (before new growth emerges). Since it blooms on new wood, you can cut it back hard to 6-12 inches above the ground to encourage very large flowers and a compact habit, or simply remove dead stems for a taller plant with smaller blooms .

Q: Does it flower on old or new wood?
A: It flowers on new wood (the current season's growth), making it very reliable and hardy, as flower buds are not damaged by winter cold .

Q: Does the flower color change with soil pH?
A: No, unlike bigleaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla), the flower color of 'Annabelle' is unaffected by soil pH and remains pure white. As the blooms age, they may fade to a soft, pale green .

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It performs best in full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sun). In hot summer climates, it benefits from afternoon shade to prevent wilting and protect the large flower heads .

Q: Are the flowers good for cutting?
A: Yes, the huge, long-lasting white flower heads make outstanding cut flowers and can be used fresh or dried for arrangements.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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