Hydrangea arborescens Strong Annabelle - Incrediball

Hydrangea arborescens 'Strong Annabelle' (Incrediball) is a variety of Virginia hydrangea with huge, 30 cm (11.8 in) round flowers in a very charming cream-white colour. This beautiful, ramified bush reaches a height of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) when fully grown. Very floriferous, it decorates the garden from June until the first frost. The sturdy stems easily support the weight of the flowers, even when they are loaded with rain. It suits sunny beds and flowering hedges but also adapts perfectly to being grown in a pot or container on a terrace. Its flowers are also beautiful in bouquets.

Hydrangea arborescens, or Virginia hydrangea, belongs to the large Hydrangeaceae family. This botanical species, native to the Southeastern USA, is less demanding in terms of shade and soil than its Asian counterparts. Through hybridisation, it has produced numerous varieties that prove to be excellent garden shrubs.

The 'Incrediball' series includes highly ramified and floriferous bushes that decorate the garden from June until the first frost. 'Strong Annabelle' is a hardy plant that faithfully blooms even after cold winters, on new shoots. It is suitable for cold regions as it produces new flower buds throughout the summer and is not afraid of spring frosts. It has beautiful ramified stems that reach up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and form a bush that is at least as wide (or even wider depending on the conditions). From the end of June onwards, they are crowned with very large perfectly spherical corymbs that continue to bloom until late summer. The inflorescences can measure up to 30 cm (11.8 in) in diameter and are made up of a multitude of small flowers with 3 to 4 sepals. They open green and become white when ripe, then turn green again at the end of flowering. The overall effect harmonises elegantly with the foliage, which is a fairly dark green and consists of beautiful, single, ovate leaves that are 10 cm to 20 cm (3.9 in to 7.9 in) long, wide, and nicely crinkled. Hydrangeas can live for many years in the garden, often more than 50 years.

If you like naturally-looking hydrangeas that are easy to grow in any good garden soil, 'Strong Annabelle' will delight you. If your decor is more contemporary, or if you have a small urban garden, this moderately-sized bush will bring an elegant touch. Hydrangea arborescens 'Strong Annabelle' brightens up any semi-shaded scene, whether planted alone or in a group. Plant a small border of boxwood or Lonicera nitida 'Elegant' at its base to provide a setting for its large white flowers. In the front of an urban garden, it brings romance and distinction. It can be surrounded by hellebores, hardy fuchsias, daffodils, and pansies, which extend the flowering season and complete the range of colours. Finally, while it is superb in beds and flowering hedges, it is also perfectly suited for use in pots or containers on a terrace. Cut its flowers to create beautiful bouquets!