Annabelle Hydrangea

Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle') is the classic snowball hydrangea, prized for its massive white blooms that can reach up to 12 inches across. Because it flowers on new wood, Annabelle blooms reliably every year regardless of winter dieback — making it one of the easiest and most forgiving hydrangeas to grow and prune. Its mounded habit and prolific white blooms make it a standout in borders, mass plantings, and foundation beds.

Key Features

• Massive white snowball-shaped blooms, up to 12" across
• Blooms reliably on new wood every year
• Mounded, full growth habit
• Long bloom season, early summer through fall
• Excellent resistance to insects and disease
• Easy-prune — cut back hard in late winter for the biggest blooms

Specs

• Mature Height: 3–5 ft
• Mature Width: 4–6 ft
• Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Growth Rate: Medium-Fast
• Zone: 3–8
• Form: Mounded, rounded shrub

Spacing Guidance

• 4–5 ft spacing (mass planting/hedge)
• 3–4 ft off structures
• 5–6 ft if grown as a standalone specimen