Hydrangea arborescens Bella Anna

Hydrangea arborecens Bella Anna is a variety from 2012. Very close to the variety Invincibelle, Bella Anna has a habit with better support (slightly more rigid) and a more sustained flowering.

This compact habit variety measures 1.2m (4ft) in height and 1m (3ft) in width. It is particularly well adapted to pot cultivation but integrates beautifully into sunny flower beds. In flower from June, it blooms continuously until autumn. Its 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) diameter flower-balls are magenta pink and remain very intense until autumn. They are carried on stiff stems that do not bend under the weight of the flowers, even when wet. This variety is highly appreciated in the design of both fresh and dry bouquets.

Originating from North America, Hydrangea arborescens are very hardy. They do not fear late spring frosts and tolerate heat as well as short dry spells better than their Asian cousins. They can be grown in limestone soil.

Plant Bella Anna in the sun or semi-shade, in light, rich and moist soil. Combine it in a sunny flower bed with Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskyou Pink', Stachys byzantina, and Achillea millefolium 'Lilac Beauty', and mix in a few grasses (miscanthus or panicum) to lighten and contrast the scene.