HYDRANGEA A. STRONG ANNABELLE (R)

Planting Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’®

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’®, also known as ‘Incrediball’, is a hardy deciduous shrub admired for its huge, rounded white flower heads and notably strong stems that hold blooms upright. It is perfect for borders and makes an excellent feature plant in the garden.

Choosing the right position

• Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Best flowering occurs with morning sun and light afternoon shade
• Suitable for borders, cottage gardens, and feature planting
• Choose a sheltered position to protect large blooms from strong winds
• Avoid very dry or exposed locations

Soil requirements

• Thrives in moist, well-drained soil
• Prefers fertile, humus-rich conditions
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay if improved
• Suitable for neutral to slightly acidic soils
• Improve soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting

How to plant

• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth
• Soak the root ball thoroughly before planting
• Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface
• Backfill with enriched soil and firm gently
• Water thoroughly after planting
• Apply a mulch to retain moisture and improve soil

Planting in containers

• Use a large container with good drainage holes
• Fill with a moisture-retentive compost
• Ensure the plant is positioned at the correct depth
• Water well after planting and allow excess water to drain
• Place in a sheltered position with partial shade

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Hydrangea ‘Strong Annabelle’® is easy to grow and provides reliable, long-lasting blooms with simple care.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods
• Water deeply during the growing season
• Container-grown plants require frequent watering
• Avoid letting soil dry out completely
• Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging

Feeding

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring
• A second light feed in early summer can support flowering
• Container plants benefit from regular liquid feeding
• Avoid excessive feeding, which can cause soft growth

Pruning

• Prune hard in late winter or early spring
• Cut stems back to around 15–30cm above ground level
• Flowers are produced on new growth
• Remove weak or damaged stems to improve structure
• Strong stems usually remove the need for staking

Mulching

• Apply a thick layer of organic mulch in spring
• Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Improves soil structure over time
• Keep mulch away from the base of the plant

Seasonal Care and Common Issues

With the right care, Hydrangea ‘Strong Annabelle’® will provide an impressive display of large blooms each summer.

Seasonal performance

• Produces large, rounded white flower heads from early summer to autumn
• Flowers may age to a soft green colour
• Lush green foliage provides a full backdrop
• Dried flower heads can be left for winter interest

Winter care

• Fully hardy and tolerant of cold temperatures
• Cut back in late winter before new growth begins
• Mulch in autumn to protect roots in colder areas
• Ensure soil is well-drained to avoid winter damage

Common problems

• Wilting may occur in hot weather if soil is too dry
• Poor flowering may result from lack of light or nutrients
• Leaf scorch can occur in strong sun or dry conditions
• Generally pest-resistant, though aphids may occasionally appear
• Very heavy blooms may benefit from light support in exposed areas

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’® is a reliable and eye-catching shrub that produces some of the largest flower heads of any hydrangea. Its strong stems, ease of care, and long flowering period make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. With consistent moisture, annual pruning, and a suitable position, it will thrive and provide a stunning display year after year

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.