Comments on: Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:21:29 +0000

Carolyn, one that I grow that is hardy in Alberta is Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’. The blossoms go from a light pink on one end, to darker pink on the other. ‘H. paniculata ‘Quickfire’ goes from dark pink to almost red. I haven’t tried the Endless Summer series of Hydrangea, such as ‘Blushing Bride’, which is light pink. I’ve read mixed reviews about the Endless Summer Hydrangea in our climate, but they do bloom on new wood, and are supposed to be hardy.

By: carolyn

carolyn — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:22:40 +0000

I was wondering if you had any recommendations on hydrangeas in colors other then white. I’m particularly interested in pink varieties — as I am locating to Nobleford, AB from Pennsylvania, I am not sure what grows here and how to get started.

I feel the loss of weeping cherry trees profoundly, if anyone had any advice on pink flowering trees, that do not bear fruit, I’d love to hear those recommendations also.

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:52:40 +0000

Barbara, I was thinking of planting another Annabelle too. The flower heads have really expanded over the last few weeks, and the five manage to cover a great deal of the shrub. I’m always surprised that such a little plant can hold up those large panicles. At least with 2 flowers, your Annabelle can still cheer for you. I just picked up a new Little Lamb hydrangea as well, to replace a Viburnum that I took out.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 06:53:16 +0000

Annabelle indeed is a fantastic plant. I want to have a second one planted this autumn. However, I think, this hydrangea is not so reliable as the other sorts (at least in my garden). This year it only showed two (2) flowers instead the 20 to 30 blooms it usually has. (Probably the winter was too long and cold!).

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:18:51 +0000

Kathleen, the Annabelle blooms have expanded in the past week, and look very large for such a small shrub. It makes me smile to see the bright white flowers when I come up to the door. Sometimes I try to find the perfect location for a plant, but more often I try to find plants will will tolerate less than ideal conditions. You have to appreciate plants that are good sports about it.

I wish that oakleaf hydrangeas were hardy here. They are very attractive shrubs.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:37:13 +0000

Love that cheering hydrangea Northern Shade! Anyone could use their very own cheer squad, couldn’t they? I have an oakleaf hydrangea planted in mostly shade too and it produces very few blooms as well. It’s five years old now and very healthy in every other way. I’ve decided to leave it in it’s current position too since I don’t want to risk it finding a new spot less desirable. The foliage is very attractive so I’m finding myself content with just having it for that. The blooms you do have are very nice and full.

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:34:08 +0000

Shady Gardener, I like the way the white Annabelle blooms brighten up the entry way. They are all open now, and even five of them make a good display at their full size. These are much earlier than my Hydrangea paniculata, so they spread out the Hydrangea flowering time even longer. The slow poke paniculata are still at the early bud stage. You’ll enjoy your shrubs as they mature. They put on a good show, with very little maintenance.

There is such a variety of features to compare when choosing a new camera. It’s a good thing you have a large garden to try it out on when you find the perfect one.

By: Shady Gardener

Shady Gardener — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:25:05 +0000

Very cute post. And it is determined to maintain its status in your garden! I bought my first two hydrangeas last Fall. I transplanted them this Spring to their permanent homes. They’re growing well and one is just putting forth a couple of minute blooms. Next year they’ll be great! Wish I had a camera for photos! I will make up my mind, but it’s taking the step of purchasing “the one” that’s making me pause.

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:09:32 +0000

Kerri, Annabelle gets the Hydrangea season started in my garden, with the first flowers. The H. paniculata are just forming small buds now. I look forward to when they all start to bloom.

Isn’t it great when a shrub rebounds with a good show the next season? Your Oakhill hydrangeas must like the site.

By: kerri

kerri — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:48:37 +0000

Your little Annabelle has a lot of spirit. How nice to have your very own cheerleader :) I love those big mophead flower clusters.
My 2 Oakhill hydrangeas are blooming well this year after a disappointing show last summer. The flower clusters are huge and beautiful.