Hydrangea arbor. 'Strong Annabelle'®

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’

• Common Name: Strong Annabelle Hydrangea, Incrediball Hydrangea

• Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub

• Origin: North America, cultivated variety bred for improved strength and flower size

• Growth Habit: Upright, rounded shrub reaching 1.2–1.5 metres in height and spread, with strong, sturdy stems designed to support its large blooms without flopping.

• Foliage: Broad, mid-green, oval leaves that provide lush cover through the growing season.

• Flowers: Huge, spherical flower heads up to 30 cm across, starting lime green, maturing to pure white, and often fading to green again in late summer.

• Flowering Period: Long blooming season from June to September.

• Seasonal Interest: Striking summer blooms, attractive foliage, and dried flower heads that can provide winter interest if left in place.

• Garden Uses: Perfect for mixed borders, mass planting, flowering hedges, and large containers; works beautifully in cottage, contemporary, and woodland-style gardens.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; in hotter regions, protection from strong afternoon sun helps preserve flower colour and prevent leaf scorch.

• Soil Preferences: Fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

• pH Range: Tolerates most pH levels (acidic, neutral, or alkaline), but flower colour is not pH-dependent in this species.

• Moisture Needs: Requires consistently moist soil, especially during flowering. Avoid drought stress as it can cause blooms to wilt prematurely.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn, when the soil is warm and workable.

• Spacing: Allow 1–1.5 metres between plants to give space for full development.

• Shelter Needs: Choose a spot sheltered from strong winds to protect the large blooms.

• Companion Planting: Combines well with hostas, astilbes, ornamental grasses, and other shade- to sun-loving perennials.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots; use quality compost and ensure good drainage, watering regularly in summer.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water deeply and regularly, especially during prolonged dry periods.

  • Mulching in spring will help conserve soil moisture.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to support strong growth and abundant blooms.

  • A mid-summer feed of high-potash fertiliser can help prolong flowering.

• Pruning:

  • Cut stems back to about 15–30 cm above ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

  • This promotes strong new shoots and larger flower heads.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch each spring, keeping it clear of the crown.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free; may rarely be affected by aphids or powdery mildew in humid conditions—improve air circulation if necessary.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; dried flower heads can be left on over winter to protect emerging buds and add structure to the garden.

• Weed Control: Keep the base weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

• Longevity: With proper care, will thrive and bloom prolifically for many years.

• Size
  3 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)

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.