Smooth Hydrangea

About this plant

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is a timeless favorite, renowned for its spectacular, dinner-plate sized, pure white flower clusters that emerge in early summer and continue to dazzle into the fall. These abundant blooms are held atop sturdy stems, creating a magnificent display that brightens any garden space. This vigorous and adaptable shrub offers multi-season interest, with its bold foliage providing a lush green backdrop even when not in flower. 'Annabelle' is particularly valued for its reliability and hardiness, thriving in a variety of conditions and returning year after year with its charming floral show. Ideal for mass plantings, borders, or as a striking specimen plant, 'Annabelle' brings a touch of elegant charm and a burst of bright white to both contemporary and traditional landscapes. Its large blooms also make excellent cut flowers, perfect for bringing the beauty of your garden indoors.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires minimal pruning; cut back to 6-12 inches in late winter or early spring for best bloom production. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Protect from strong winds which can damage large blooms.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.