Which Annabelle hydrangea doesn't tip over?

Annabelle hydrangeas are often seen in front yards: beautiful white-flowering hydrangeas with strikingly large flower heads.

They bloom for a nice long time and are easy to care for—at least… if they stay upright even after a rain shower!

Unfortunately, it’s a familiar sight: the large flower heads of the Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) lying flat on the ground after a rain shower. The flower heads are so large and heavy that they can’t withstand a heavy downpour without help. If the flowers stay wet for too long, there’s even a good chance they won’t stand up again at all. A We definitely recommend a plant stake for the standard Annabelle hydrangea!

Annabelle hydrangea that doesn't fall over

Fortunately, there is now also a cultivated variety that is more robust. The branches become woodier, making the base sturdier, and the flower heads remain just a bit smaller (though still certainly large enough). This is the Hydrangea ‘Incrediball,’ better known as the ‘Strong Annabelle’ hydrangea. The blooms start out greenish-white and gradually become whiter.

This large-flowered white hydrangea looks very much like the original Annabelle, but without the well-known problem. In addition, this one Hydrangeas are more tolerant of the sun and the Strong Annabelle is easy to care for (simply prune it back annually to about 30 cm above the ground). It’s still a hydrangea, so it needs plenty of water to grow well, but the Strong Annabelle is less demanding than, for example, the common hydrangea (macrophylla).

In the first year, you should still keep in mind that the flower heads may still bend over. Even if they’re planted alone or are very exposed to the wind, a stem might occasionally bend over. Still, the difference compared to the regular Annabelle is significant (and worth it). Unfortunately, they’re still quite pricey.

Vigorous Annabelle hydrangea in pink

Whereas at first only the white Annabelle was available as a sturdy variety, there are now also several pink cultivars. For example, Pink Annabelle, Ruby Annabelle, and Sweet Annabelle. These varieties have also been bred with extra-sturdy branches so they won’t topple over or bend.