Hydrangea Annabelle (properly Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’) is one of the most popular ornamental shrubs for gardens because of its big, fluffy white blooms, easy-going nature, and reliable performance.  
🌼 What It Is
•A deciduous smooth hydrangea cultivar that forms a bushy shrub with large, spherical flower heads.  
•Flowers typically appear summer through early autumn (with blooms from about June/July to September in many climates).  
•Flower heads start green, turn creamy white, and may fade to green or tan as they age.  
•The blooms can be up to ~25 cm (10 in) across—dramatic and showy in borders or as a focal shrub.  
🌱 Growing Conditions
•Light: Full sun to partial shade (morning sun with some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter spots).  
•Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but is adaptable to clay, sandy, chalky, or acidic soils.  
•Watering: Needs consistent moisture—hydrangeas do not like to dry out. Regular watering and mulch help maintain soil moisture.  
•Hardiness: Very hardy and performs well in many climates; suitable for a wide range of garden types from borders to mixed beds.  
✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
•‘Annabelle’ blooms on new wood, so pruning is easy: cut stems back to near ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to encourage stronger blooms.  
•You can also deadhead spent flowers in spring after frost risk has passed to tidy the plant and foster fresh blooms.  
📏 Size & Shape
•Generally grows around 1.2–2.5 m (4–8 ft) tall and wide depending on conditions and pruning.  
•Forms a rounded, shrub-like shape with lush green foliage that complements the large white flower heads.  
💡 Tips for Best Results
•Mulch around the base to help retain moisture and protect roots.  
•Provide support or stakes if heavy blooms get weighed down after rain.  
•Avoid overfertilizing; too much nitrogen can encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers.