Growing & Maintenance Tips for Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Hydrangea Characteristics

Lovely large blooms are great for fresh or dried arrangements, or keep on for winter interest

Sun:        Hydrangeas prefer full sun in the morning with partial shade in the afternoon
                If planted in full sun, ensure they are watered more in hot summer weather
                if planted in more shade they will have fewer blooms

Soil:        Hydrangeas prefer fertile, well drained soil with consistent water
                When watering, soak deeply less often, rather than shallow daily waterings
                Mulch will help improve water retention, but leave unmulched close to the stem

Smooth Hydrangeas (arborescence)

· Have flexible stems (may need some support), dome-shaped flowers, bloom on new wood, and are quite sun and cold tolerant

· Pruning is best in late winter to early spring. Young bushes benefit from removing weak stems (all but the main 3 or 4 strong stems). Once established they benefit from pruning out smaller, weaker branches, and shaping the rest to about knee height in late winter to early spring

Panicle Hydrangeas (paniculata)

· Have woody stems, cone-shaped flowers that change color with age, bloom on new wood, and are the most sun and cold tolerant hydrangea

· Pruning is best in late winter to early spring. Young bushes benefit from removing weak stems (all but the main 3 or 4 strong stems). Once established they benefit from light trimming of branch tips to a healthy bud, leaving 4 to 6 buds. Older plants may benefit from removing about 1/3 of the oldest branches.