Proven Winners arborescens varieties grow on all types of soil and are frost resistant to -30°C. Continuous flowering from early summer until early autumn. Flowers of all Proven Winners arborescens varieties are supported by strong branches, it remains a true highlight in the garden, even after rain or wind. Decades of research have resulted in the widest range of choices for you. You will find that our selection covers the most colours and sizes available in the market. The Annabelle series and BellaRagazza series offer two distinct solutions for different garden needs.
3 ways to showcase your Hydrangea arborescens
Whatever space you have, we have the solution!
Border, hedge or mass planting
Proven Winners Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle series features strong, vigorous varieties that grow larger and fuller, making them ideal for spacious gardens. Perfect for borders, hedges or mass plantings, they create bold structure and abundant, eye-catching blooms all season.
Smaller garden, terrace and pot
Proven Winners Hydrangea arborescens Bellaragazza series offers compact, easy-care varieties specially bred for smaller gardens, terraces, and decorative pots. Their low-growing habit and reliable blooms make them perfect for adding beauty without needing much space.
Cut flowers
Hydrangeas are wonderful garden plants, and some varieties make great cut flowers. Sublime Annabelle is one of them, with big blooms that age to deep lime green. You can also dry them: cut them at peak flowering, remove leaves, and hang upside down in a dry, dark, ventilated place.
Where to buy Hydrangea Annabelle or BellaRagazza
Find a retailer near you or shop online
If you’re wondering where to buy our Hydrangea, start with our retailer map to find official sales points or order from our online shop (currently we only ship to Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg and The Netherlands).
Hydrangea arborescens care made simple
Three essentials: light, hardiness, pruning
Light
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, adapting easily to different exposures. For the best flowering, aim for around 6 hours of sunlight daily. In more shaded spots, plants will grow well but produce fewer blooms.
Hardiness
Our Hydrangea are extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -30°C, making them a reliable, high-quality choice across many European climates. Unlike annual plants, shrubs return year after year, growing stronger and providing lasting structure and beauty in the garden.
Watering
Ensure your hydrangea is getting enough water, especially during its first year after planting. Once established, Hydrangea arborescens has moderated water needs. Avoid overwatering—well-drained soil is essential, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
Guide to Hydrangea arborescens pruning
They look their best with early spring pruning
Good cut
The best time to prune smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) is early spring. In general, you can cut back about one third (leave two thirds of the plant) to help it build a strong, woody base and avoid floppy stems. Use clean, sharp pruners and make your cut just above a set of large, healthy leaf buds—about 3–6 mm (1/4–1/8 inch) above the buds.
Too close to bud
If you cut right on top of the buds, you can damage them and weaken that new shoot before it even starts. Those healthy leaf buds are the “restart button,” so give them a little space and always use clean scissors/pruners to keep the cut neat and the plant vigorous.
Too far from bud
If you cut too far above the buds, you leave a long stub that often dries back and looks messy, instead of directing energy cleanly into new growth. After flowering, you can also deadhead (remove spent blooms) to increase the chance of reblooming and keep the plant looking fresh.
The Hydrangea arborescens gardeners love
Find your favourite!
FAQ – Hydrangea arborescens
Do Hydrangea arborescens flower every year?
Yes, they bloom on new wood, are very reliable, ensuring flowers each year. ensuring consistent flowering.
When should I prune it?
In early spring. You can prune it quite hard to encourage vigorous growth and flowering.
Is it resistant to weather conditions?
Yes, improved varieties have strong stems that keep flowers upright even after rain and wind.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes, our smaller BellaRagazza varieties are suitable for pots. For the bigger varieties they can be grown in a (large) pot but they will require very regular watering.
Why are my hydrangea blooms flopping?
There are three main reasons a hydrangea may flop in heavy rain or storms.
• It may have been cut back too hard, and the new growth is soft and weak. Ensure you’re cutting back by one-third, rather than cutting it to the ground.
• You may have overfertilized your hydrangea. Adding too much fertilizer encourages too much soft and floppy new growth.
• Your hydrangea may not get enough sunlight. Hydrangeas need sun to supply the energy needed to produce strong stems.
Why isn't my smooth hydrangea blooming?
Common reasons your smooth hydrangea isn’t blooming include insufficient sunlight, improper pruning, deer damage, or over- or under-watering.
• Ensure your smooth hydrangea is getting full to part sun (in warmer climates, afternoon shade is best).
• Smooth hydrangeas should be pruned in early spring (or late winter). Pruning in summer will remove buds.
• Smooth hydrangeas like moist, but well-draining soil. They do not tolerate soggy soil, so ensure your hydrangea is getting enough water to stay moist, but not so much that its soil is wet.
Does Proven Winners offer any other varieties of hydrangea in its range?
Yes, Proven Winners also offer Paniculata, Cascade, Macrophylla, Serrata and Quercifolia Hydrangea in his range, more information: Search a plant
