Hydrangea ar. 'Strong Annabelle'® 5 Ltr pot

Planting Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’®

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’®, also known as ‘Incrediball’, is a robust deciduous shrub valued for its exceptionally large white flower heads and stronger stems that help support the blooms. It is an excellent choice for borders, adding reliable summer colour and structure.

Choosing the right position

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

Soil requirements

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

How to plant in the ground

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in 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 around the base to retain moisture

Planting in containers

• Use a large pot with good drainage holes
• Fill with a high-quality, moisture-retentive compost
• Ensure correct planting depth and firm gently
• Water well after planting and allow excess water to drain
• Position where the plant receives light but is protected from harsh conditions

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Hydrangea ‘Strong Annabelle’® is easy to grow and particularly valued for its improved stem strength and reliable flowering.

Watering

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

Feeding

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage strong growth
• A second feed in early summer can support flower development
• Container-grown plants benefit from regular liquid feeding
• Avoid excessive feeding, which can lead to overly soft growth

Pruning

• Prune hard in late winter or early spring
• Cut stems back to around 15–30cm above ground level
• Flowers form on new growth, so pruning promotes larger blooms
• Remove weak or damaged stems to improve structure
• Strong stems reduce the need for staking, even with large flowers

Mulching

• Apply a thick layer of organic mulch in spring
• Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Improves soil structure over time
• Keep mulch clear of the stems to prevent rot

Seasonal Care and Common Issues

With the right care, Hydrangea ‘Strong Annabelle’® will deliver impressive blooms and remain a standout feature in the garden.

Seasonal interest

• Produces large, rounded white flower heads from early summer to autumn
• Blooms may mature to a soft green as they age
• Lush green foliage provides a full backdrop throughout summer
• Dried flower heads can be left for winter interest if desired

Winter care

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

Common problems

• Wilting leaves may indicate insufficient watering, particularly in hot weather
• Poor flowering can result from lack of light or nutrients
• Although stems are stronger, very heavy blooms may still benefit from some support in exposed areas
• Leaf scorch may occur in hot, dry conditions
• Generally pest-free, though aphids may occasionally appear

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’® is a reliable and impressive shrub that offers bold, long-lasting blooms with improved durability. Its strong stems and ease of care make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. With consistent moisture, annual pruning, and a suitable planting position, it will thrive and provide a stunning display year after year.

• Size
  5 Ltr pot

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)

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