'ANNABELLE'(H. arborescens)
(Found originally in Anna, Illinois, and introduced into Great Britain in 1907)~ Traditional Home (May 1997)
Gardener's Note: 'Annabelle' (an American native hydrangea) represents the quintessential picture of a mophead or snowball hardy hydrangea. Performing well, its flower green buds mature to white and then back to green. Large globular symmetrical bloom heads can reach 12 inches across, a bit too massive to hold up when wet, needing support to keep her upright. If pruned to the ground in spring, plant will be smaller and flowers larger, an advantage in tight quarters. (Hardy for zones 4-9)
Comments
Love your website and your stuill as beautiful as the last time I saw you.
Dave.
http://www.myspace.com/navyopsvet1
You are still my inspiration for blogging about gardening. Your color themes are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your garden with me.
I just love 'Annabelle.' What a great Hydrangea. I also wrote about her in the summer, but I'm really enjoying your collage of photos. It shows her to her best advantage. Thanks so much.~~Dee
Thanks Dave ... I'm blushing!
I'll hop over for sure, Bren, and see the fruit of your labors. I'm touched by your thoughtful comment.
Dee, as a remarkable gardener, I thank you.
I don't grow it. Wish it liked my soil and my humidity but just a little too far south. I'll enjoy your collage instead.
Meems
By the way, have you ever thought about putting all of these recipes and pictures into a gardeners' cookbook? If you ever do, assume that you have one sold already--sign me up!
Wishing you a beautiful blossom filled last day of August!:)
Hug's
Cat
Hi Kim and thanks. I think Annabelle shows best as a hedge (at least 3) so does require space. I severely prune the shrubs between garage and driveway in the fall close to the ground because of the snow, which produces large heads, often too heavy to support especially after rain. My other hedge I'll prune sparingly to 18 inches producing fatter branches but smaller heads and less likely to droop. Have you ever seen 'Tardiva', another lovely hydrangea that might be better suited to your garden. And if you don't own one, you MUST purchase an Oak Leaf that you can tame to your space. A Gardener's Cookbook is a dream and if one ever materizes, I'll rush one to you, my dear gardening friend ;)
Hydrangeas (charming and delightful to photograph) ... another passion we share in common, dear Cat! I'll be looking forward to seeing your September favorites! (Hugs)
Hi Kim and thanks. I think Annabelle shows best as a hedge (at least 3) so does require space. I severely prune the shrubs between garage and driveway in the fall close to the ground because of the snow, which produces large heads, often too heavy to support especially after rain. My other hedge I'll prune sparingly to 18 inches producing fatter branches but smaller heads and less likely to droop. Have you ever seen 'Tardiva', another lovely hydrangea that might be better suited to your garden. And if you don't own one, you MUST purchase an Oak Leaf that you can tame to your space. A Gardener's Cookbook is a dream and if one ever materizes, I'll rush one to you, my dear gardening friend ;)
Hydrangeas (charming and delightful to photograph) ... another passion we share in common, dear Cat! I'll be looking forward to seeing your September favorites! (Hugs)
So, I'll just sit here and admire yours from afar.
http://plant-quest.blogspot.com/2008/06/fabulous-and-foolproof.html
It's noted for having larger flower heads and strong stems so that it does not flop after a rain.