Does hydrangea Annabelle need ericaceous soil?

Annabelle hydrangeas do prefer soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH level of 6.0-7.5. A soil test to determine the pH of the soil can be beneficial to help create the best conditions for the shrub. The pH will not have an impact on the color of the flower with Annabelle hydrangeas, such as it does with some other hydrangea types.

Do Annabelle hydrangeas grow well in pots?

Annabelle is a hydrangea variety that can successfully be planted and grown in pots. Autumn Hilliard-Knapp , horticulturist at Perfect Plants Nursery, explains a few essentials that you need to know for growing hydrangeas in pots . She says: ‘While Annabelle hydrangeas can be planted in pots, it's essential to choose a large container with good drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Regular watering and monitoring of soil moisture levels are necessary when growing them in pots, but they can definitely thrive if planted in a pot.’ You will need to water hydrangeas more when growing them in pots, especially during the summer months, and a good trick for watering plants in containers is to use your fingers to check the moisture levels a few inches under the surface. This helps ensure you do not overwater plants by adding more water to soil that is already sufficiently moist deep down.

Should you cut back Annabelle hydrangeas?

When it comes to pruning Annabelle hydrangeas , the best time to do this task is in late winter or early spring, cutting them just as the buds start to swell. Pruning the shrubs annually will help them stay healthy, look neat and compact, and guarantee a fantastic show of blooms each year.

Expert tips for how to plant Annabelle hydrangeas

White Annabelle hydrangea blooms on green foliage

(Image credit: Getty Images/skymoon13)

By Drew Swainston

published 14 November 2023

in Advice

Drew’s passion for gardening started with growing vegetables and salad in raised beds in a small urban terrace garden. He has gone on to work as a professional gardener in historic gardens across the UK and also specialise as a kitchen gardener growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, and cut flowers. That passion for growing extends to being an allotmenteer, garden blogger, and producing how-to gardening guides for websites. Drew was shortlisted in the New Talent of the Year award at the 2023 Garden Media Guild Awards.

When and how to plant Annabelle hydrangeas – 7 steps for success with this desirable shrub

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