Smooth hydrangea vs Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'

Smooth 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.

Illustration of Smooth hydrangea

Smooth hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 1.3 m × 1.5 m after 10 years

A rounded deciduous hydrangea that carries big globe-shaped flower heads from early summer on the current year's shoots, so it blooms reliably even…

Shrub
Part shade
Full sun
Shade
from about PLN 29
Illustration of Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'

Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'

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…

Shrub
Part shade
Full sun
Shade
from about PLN 26

Watch out for

Smooth hydrangea
In Central Europe summer heat and drought are its main enemy: in hot sun without watering the leaves wilt and scorch and the flower heads stay smaller. After rain the big heads of the weaker-stemmed cultivars pull the shoots to the ground, so give them support or cut back only to 30 to 40 cm in spring to build a sturdier framework. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can appear in humid weather and aphids on young shoots, but they are rarely serious.
Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'
In Central Europe summer heat and drought are its main enemy: in hot sun without watering the leaves wilt and scorch and the flower heads stay smaller. After rain the big heads pull the weak stems to the ground, so give it support or cut back only to 30 to 40 cm in spring to build a sturdier framework. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can appear in humid weather and aphids on young shoots, but they are rarely serious.

The data side by side

Feature
Smooth hydrangea
Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'
Group Shrub Shrub
Size after 10 years 1.3 m × 1.5 m (uncertain) 1.3 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size 0.9–1.8 m × 0.9–1.8 m (uncertain) 0.9–1.5 m × 1.2–1.8 m
Growth rate Fast Fast
Light Part shade, Full sun, Shade Part shade, Full sun, Shade
Soil Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Calcareous Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Calcareous
Hardiness down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Heat tolerance Medium Medium
Foliage Deciduous Deciduous
Flowering June–September, white, pink, green (uncertain) June–September, white
Water need Medium Medium
Drought tolerance Low Low
Maintenance Low Low
Planting distance 100 cm 100 cm
For dogs Toxic Toxic
For cats Toxic Toxic
For children Mildly toxic Mildly toxic
Typical price approx. PLN 32 approx. PLN 26

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 25, 2026

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