How do you care for Annabelle hydrangeas?
“Annabelle” doesn’t tolerate drought and grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It needs water on a regular basis during hot weather to have good growth and flowering, especially in a sunny location, where the shrub may need water daily. Water “Annabelle” when its soil surface is dry.
Do I cut back my Annabelle hydrangea?
The best way to prune Annabelle Hydrangeas is by removing faded flowers and an inch or two of growth to promote a second round of gorgeous blooms. Don’t prune until around the end of September or beginning of October. Always wait until flowers have visibly faded before pruning them.
Can Annabelle hydrangeas take full sun?
‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea is most at home in partial shade and evenly moist but well-drained soil; she’ll grow in full sun if moisture is ample. Because she flowers heavily on the current season’s growth (“new wood”), most gardeners cut the stems to the ground in late winter.
How often should Annabelle hydrangeas be watered?
Tips for growing a healthy Annabelle Hydrangea
| Annabelle Hydrangea | Care instructions |
|---|---|
| Soil: | Loam or amended soil. |
| Soil pH: | 5.5-7.0 Grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil. |
| Watering: | 1-2 times per week in drought. Don’t water in the winter. |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
What do I feed my Annabelle hydrangea?
For Annabelle hydrangeas which are four or more years old, cut back a quarter of the stems to 30cm / 12in high. Feed with two handfuls of fish, blood and bone and apply a mulch as described in the previous section.
Do Annabelle hydrangeas spread?
Given that they grow between 3 and 5 feet tall, Annabelle hydrangeas already take up a lot of room. However, they also usually spread between 4 and 6 feet, so they need a lot of space to fully expand during their active growth period.
Can hydrangeas be overwatered?
Even though hydrangeas require more water than some other shrubs, they don’t like to be over-watered. It is best to have moist soil and not wet soil. One reason hydrangeas get over-watered is when they wilt in the afternoon sun.
What time of day should you water hydrangeas?
morning
Hydrangeas prefer slightly shady spots, which will help keep plants from wilting. If your plant is located in a sunny spot, it may require more water to help it from drooping. The best time of day to water hydrangeas is the early morning or late evening, so the moisture won’t quickly evaporate in the heat of the day.
Why are my Annabelle hydrangeas falling over?
When hydrangeas are drooping, they’re often expressing their dislike of local conditions. Too much sun and not enough water lead to wilt; heavy flower loads can cause tender branches to bend until they touch the ground. Even an extra dose of fertilizer may contribute to droopy hydrangea plants.