How big does Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' grow?

About 1.3 m × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–1.5 m × 1.2–1.8 m.

What soil does Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' flower?

Flowering: June–September, white.

How much water does Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' cost?

It sells for roughly €15 to €29 in local shops, depending on size.

Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle') is a shrub that reaches 1.3 m × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: part shade, full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €15.

Illustration of Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 current year's shoots it flowers reliably even after a hard winter or a hard spring cut. It is happiest in part shade; plant it in sun only if you can water regularly, as it copes badly with drought. The thin stems tend to flop under the heavy heads after rain, and the plant is toxic to dogs and cats.

Watch out for

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.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.3 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade, Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.3 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	0.9–1.5 m × 1.2–1.8 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–September, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €15

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-40 cm	approx. €15
40+ cm	approx. €29

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Plants for containers Low-maintenance shrubs Flowering shrubs Low shrubs

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