Panicle hydrangea and Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, specimen, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Hydrangea paniculata 2 m × 1.6 m after 10 years
The most sun-tolerant and least fussy hydrangea: from midsummer into autumn it carries cone-shaped white or greenish-white panicles that age to pink…
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' 1.3 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A rounded deciduous hydrangea that carries huge snow-white flower globes, 20 to 30 cm across, from early summer, and because it blooms on the…
Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' needs less care than Panicle hydrangea.
Panicle hydrangea is cheaper: about €16 at the size usually planted, against about €21 for Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'.
|
Feature
|
Panicle hydrangea
|
Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 2 m × 1.6 m | 1.3 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 0.8–4.5 m × 0.8–3.6 m | 0.9–1.5 m × 1.2–1.8 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Part shade, Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | July–October, white, green, pink, red | June–September, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 120 cm | 100 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €16 | approx. €21 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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