The Roots of 'Annabelle'
‘Annabelle’ Hydrangeas have been a landscape staple for many years. We oftentimes take plants for granted, not realizing what it took to bring us such beauty that we can plant in our own yards. With hundreds of hydrangea varieties on the market, how has ‘Annabelle’ stood the test of time?
‘Annabelle’ Hydrangeas have been a landscape staple for many years. We oftentimes take plants for granted, not realizing what it took to bring us such beauty that we can plant in our own yards. With hundreds of hydrangea varieties on the market, how has ‘Annabelle’ stood the test of time? Let’s first dive into where it all began.
In 1910, Harriet Kirkpatrick noticed an abnormally large native hydrangea on a wooded trail in Southern Illinois. She dug up the hydrangea and planted it in her yard so she could enjoy the beauty. Over time, friends and family admired the specimen and began to distribute it around town and nearby communities. Harriet realized how much everyone enjoyed this plant and contacted Burpee Seed Company. An improved Hydrangea arborescens had already been released, ‘Snowhill,’ which was found in Ohio. ‘Snowhill’ had similar characteristics, but earlier bloom time. It wasn’t until 1935 when Harriet’s hydrangea had reached Urbana. Then, in the 1960’s, the University of Illinois’ professor Dr. Joseph C. McDaniel rediscovered the ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea. He traced it back to Anna, IL. It was then released for commercial production in 1962. The name is in respect to the “belle” that originally discovered the specimen.
What was the beauty that drew Harriet in? ‘Annabelle’ hydrangeas boast large, white round bloom heads that bloom throughout the summer. This native species is hardy in zones 3 to 9. It grows best in part sun or with enough moisture it can be grown in full sun. Blooms occur on new wood, so it should be pruned late Winter to early Spring. It can grow 3 to 5 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.
Since the release of “Annabelle’, many new and improved hydrangeas have been added to the lineup. These are a few examples of hydrangeas on the market today:
- Hydrangea arborescens Incrediball®
- Hydrangea arborescens FlowerFull™
- Hydrangea arborescens Incrediball Storm Proof™
I think it’s safe to say ‘Annabelle’ hydrangeas will continue to be a landscape staple for many years to come. It’s a great native option with a timeless beauty and was treasured long before it had a name. It’s a good reminder that we are surrounded by beauty everywhere we go, if we take the time to stop and admire it. Thankfully, in 1910, Harriet did just that!
Add an ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea to your next landscape! Check the availability here:
https://www.homenursery.com/plant/Hydrangea-arborescens-Annabelle
Citing:
Missouri Botanical Garden
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=s940
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
