5 Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Smooth Hydrangea

What is the smooth hydrangea?

The smooth hydrangea which is scientifically known as Hydrangea arborescens, is a species of hydrangea native to the eastern United States area. Here’s a brief overview of the smooth hydrangea:

Appearance: The smooth hydrangea is known for its large, rounded clusters of white or light green flowers. These groups are often referred to as “mophead” blooms. Just unlike some other hydrangea species, the flowers of the smooth hydrangea are typically not affected by soil pH if you are thinking about color.
Leaves: The leaves of this hydrangea are broad, oval shaped and have a somewhat of a rough texture which means the name “smooth” might sound a bit ironic. However, the term “smooth” in its common name is in contrast to the oakleaf hydrangea, which has deeply lobed leaves.
Size: Smooth hydrangeas are freaking amazing shrubs that can grow anywhere from 3 to 6 feet in both height and width.
Cultivars: There are several popular cultivars of Hydrangea arborescens. One of the most renowned is ‘Annabelle’, which is celebrated for its enormous white flower heads.
Care: Smooth hydrangeas are adaptable and will definitely thrive in a variety of conditions. Keep in mind that they prefer full sun to partial shade and do well in well-draining soil. These hydrangeas are quite cold hardy and can handle pruning quite well, especially since they bloom on new wood.
Pruning: Because they flower on new growth (new wood), it is typically best to cut them in late winter to early spring. This will encourage new growth and, subsequently, more blooms.
Uses: Due to their adaptability and amazing flowers, smooth hydrangeas are often used in landscaping or gardening as specimen plants or as part of a larger shrub planting.

In addition to their visual pizzazz, smooth hydrangeas are known for being sturdy and relatively easy to take care of which makes them a favorite among both beginner and seasoned gardeners.

When you stroll through a garden or nursery and come across the smooth hydrangea, know taht you are looking at a plant native to the eastern United States.

It’s a beautiful shrub in its own right, with the broad, oval shaped leaves and lovely clusters of white or sometimes light green flowers. These blooms have a certain charm, offering a sort of rustic elegance. But here’s the thing: know that not all smooth hydrangeas are created equal. Here we have described the “Annabelle.” version.

“Annabelle hydrangea” is like the superstar child of the smooth hydrangea family. While smooth hydrangeas generally have beautiful blooms, “Annabelle” takes it up several notches and is amazing. Imagine the typical bloom, and then picture it much larger, rounder, and with a type of snowball-like quality.

These flower heads can be impressively big – they will grow to 12 inches in diameter in some cases! That’s something you can’t see every day.

What makes it special?

Now, what makes “Annabelle” even more special isn’t just its amazing appearance. It’s also the reliability with which it brings that beauty year after year after year. While some plants can be finicky, demanding very specific care or conditions, know that the hydrangea annabelle will tend to be a performer. It seems to have inherited the sturdy and adaptable nature of its parent, the smooth hydrangea, and combined it with a sort of floral flair.

Yet, even with these differences, the hydrangea arborescens remains true to its roots (both figuratively and literally). It shares the same preference for the usual light condition with similar soil needs, and the same cold hardiness as the typical smooth hydrangea.

In essence, while the smooth hydrangea in general is a lovely, adaptable shrub perfect for many gardens, keep in mind that hydrangea annabelle stands out in the crowd. It’s like the Broadway star who appeared from a small town – it’s got all the charm of its origins but with a little extra sparkle.

How to prune the smooth annabelle hydrangea?

Pruning the Annabelle hydrangea (or any smooth hydrangea) requires a mix of knowledge and gentle touch. Unlike some plants, the “Annabelle” is forgiving and responds well to pruning, but knowing when and how to do it can make all the difference.

Annabelle hydrangeas flower on new wood, which means they bloom on the stems that grow fresh each year. This feature gives you a bit of flexibility when pruning starts.

The best time to prune an Annabelle hydrangea is late winter when is sufficient cold outside, to early spring just before new growth begins. This timing helps you avoid cutting off any of this year’s flowers, because if you do, the plant won’t flower that year. When you set out to prune, you’ll want to have a pair of sharp and desinfected pruning shears. Here’s a simple flow to get you started:

Clear out any dead wood. Begin your pruning adventure by removing any stems that are dead or look unhealthy. This cleanup can help the plant channel its energy to new growth and will give the plant a new boost of energy..
Decide on the shape. Think about how tall and wide you want your hydrangea to be for the upcoming season. Annabelle hydrangeas can be cut quite hard, even down to a foot or so if you’d like a smaller plant or if it’s gotten cranky over the years. But if you prefer a larger type maybe you should try and trim it back by a third.
Cut above a bud. Make your cuts just above a set of large buds because this technique encourages the plant to branch out and become fuller, which will lead to more blooms.
Consider rejuvenation. Every few years, it might be good to give your hydrangea Annabelle a more thorough cutting, pruning back most stems to invigorate the plant.
Clean up. Once you’re done you can just pick up the pruned stems and leaves to make sure that the base of the plant is clear. This cleanup can help prevent any diseases or pests from making a home. You can then add some brown mulch or cypress mulch to make a bedding that will keep moisture and give a nice contrast between the mulch and the flower.

Do smooth hydrangeas spread?

The Hydrangea arborescens species and its versions which include the Annabelle do not spread in the same aggressive manner as some invasive plants (the black eyed susan) or ground covers, or even such as their otehr types like the quick fire hydrangea or the little lime hydrangea. However, they can slowly expand their clump size over time, gradually increasing in width.

Here’s what you might observe:

Basal Shoots: Smooth hydrangeas can send up new, fresh and beautiful shoots (suckers) from the base or the root system. Over time, this can lead to a widening of the shrub’s overall footprint, which is not a bad thing.
Layering: Sometimes, long branches that touch the ground can develop roots at the point of contact, creating a new plant. This process is called layering. While this isn’t a primary mode of spreading for hydrangeas, it could happen so you better keep it in mind.
Growth Habit: In general the smooth hydrangeas have a mounding growth habit. What this means is that they’ll grow more in width (though not aggressively) as they mature and especially if they’re in a location they like.

How big does annabelle hydrangea get?

The Annabelle hydrangea, a variant of Hydrangea arborescens, is known for its impressive and large white flower heads which are beautiful and fluffy and amazing, but its overall size is also quite notable. On average, an “Annabelle” hydrangea can grow to be:

Height:

4 to 6 feet tall

Width (Spread):

4 to 6 feet wide

Its normal growth habit means it often takes on a roughly spherical shape, especially when mature and if left unpruned, which is not that bad.

Of course, the actual size can vary depending on factors like soil quality or sunlight, water availabilityand general care.

Additionally keep in mind that regular pruning can influence its size. If you prune it more aggressively in the late winter or early spring, it might remain on the smaller side for that year, but smooth hydrangeas are known for their vigorous growth and can bounce back relatively quickly.

Can the smooth hydrangea be kept in a pot?

The simple answer is Yes, the smooth hydrangea which includes the popular hydrangea Annabelle, can be grown in a pot or container.

However, and here goes the more in depth answer, there are some key considerations to keep in mind to ensure the plant’s health and vibrancy:

Container Size: Choose a large pot to accommodate the hydrangea’s root system and allow for growth. Just keep in mind that smooth hydrangeas can grow quite large, so they’ll need ample space. The container should also have good drainage holes to prevent keeping teh roots wet.
Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix that will provide a good drainage. Hydrangeas prefer soil that retains moisture but doesn’t remain soggy.
Watering: Potted plants tend to dry out faster than those in the ground, mostly from underwatering. Regularly check the moisture level of the soil and water the hydrangea when the top inch feels dry. Ensure that the pot drains well to prevent root rot.
Feeding: Container plants often require more frequent feeding since nutrients that are available for them in the potting mix can get depleted faster. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Pruning: To maintain a manageable size for container living, you should definitely prune the hydrangea more regularly. This can also help encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Winter Care: One of the primary concerns for potted hydrangeas is the winter protection. In pots, the roots are more exposed to cold temperatures and can freeze because there is so little soil. If you live in a colder region, think about moving the pot to a sheltered location, wrapping the pot in burlap, or even burying the pot in the ground during the winter months to provide added insulation.
Repotting: As the hydrangea grows, it might outgrow its container so you should be prepared to repot it every few years into a larger container, or prune or cut the roots and refresh the soil to keep it in the same pot.