


Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’® — White ball hydrangea
The Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’®, famous under the name white ball hydrangea, is an exceptional variety due to the size and durability of its flowers. Its spherical inflorescences of a bright pure white illuminate terraces, balconies, and urban beds from early summer to autumn.
More robust than the classic ‘Annabelle’ variety, this ‘Strong Annabelle’® version offers sturdy stems that do not bend under the weight of the flowers, and an abundant, long-lasting, and elegant bloom.
Exposure & placement
This hydrangea can be grown both in a pot on a balcony or terrace and in the ground in a shaded bed. It prefers soft light, without burning sun, and cool soil.
- Exposure: partial shade to gentle sun (avoid midday full sun).
- Location: balcony, terrace, courtyard or urban garden.
- Culture: in pots or in open ground, humus-rich and fresh soil.
- Use: ideal in flower beds, flowering hedges or large decorative pots.
Verdeia tip: place your hydrangea in a large pot with rich and slightly acidic soil for more intense flowering.
Blooming & decorative interest
From June to September, the ‘Strong Annabelle’® displays huge dense ball-shaped flowers, pure white sometimes turning light green at the end of the season. Their remarkable durability and symmetry make it a flagship plant to create a refined and bright visual effect in the city.
- Flowering: abundant, from June to September.
- Flower color: pure white, turning to soft green.
- Foliage: dark green, dense and ornamental.
- Feature: sturdy stems that do not sag under the weight of the flowers.
- Hardiness: excellent, tolerates down to –25 °C.
Watering & maintenance
- Watering: regular, especially during hot periods (the soil must remain fresh).
- Soil: rich, fresh and well-drained, ideally slightly acidic.
- Pruning: at the end of winter, 10–15 cm from the ground to stimulate flowering.
- Fertilization: apply organic fertilizer in spring.
- Hardiness: tolerates frost very well, down to –25 °C.
Water with rainwater if possible, especially in limestone regions, to avoid yellowing of the foliage.
Decor ideas & plant pairings
The hydrangea ‘Strong Annabelle’® perfectly matches romantic and natural atmospheres. It highlights raw materials (stone, wood, ceramic) and bright spaces.
- To pair with: ferns, hostas, blue hydrangeas or astilbes.
- Ideal ambiance: shaded corner, green terrace or zen garden.
- Ideal pot: white ceramic or terracotta pot to enhance the contrast.
The dried flowers of the Annabelle are beautiful in winter bouquets: let them dry on the plant at the end of the season.
Verdeia Tips
- Avoid direct sun during the hottest hours.
- Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged.
- Annual pruning at the end of winter to renew flowering.
- Add compost or organic fertilizer in spring.
The Hydrangea ‘Strong Annabelle’® combines elegance and robustness: an ideal choice for a refined and lasting flowering terrace.
Technical characteristics
- Botanical name: Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’®
- Common name: White ball hydrangea
- Type: Perennial shrub with summer flowering
- Pot size: Ø19 cm
- Approximate height: 30 cm
- Maximum adult size: 100 to 150 cm
- Flowering: June to September
- Flower color: pure white, turning to soft green
- Foliage: dark green, deciduous
- Exposure: partial shade to gentle sun
- Watering: regular, cool soil
- Hardiness: down to –25 °C
- Care: winter pruning, spring fertilizer
- Feature: sturdy stems and exceptional flowering
- Use: balconies, terraces, flower beds, urban gardens
- Toxicity: non-toxic
- Decorative style: Romantic / Natural / Flowering urban jungle
Each hydrangea is unique: the density and shade of its flowers can slightly vary depending on the light and the season.
Our Verdeia commitments
They embraced nature with Verdeia
Camille, Toulouse“I am amazed by the quality of the plant received! Careful packaging, impeccable foliage, and fast delivery. Thank you Verdeia”
Amandine, Lille“It was my first order and certainly not the last. The selection is varied and the plants radiate health.”
Giulia, Milan“I gave a Verdeia plant to my sister in Milan: perfect packaging and impeccable service. She loved the concept”
FAQ – Everything to know before adopting your Verdeia plant
How are my plants prepared before shipping?
All our plants are carefully selected from our European partner producers.
Before shipping, they are watered, cleaned, and protected by breathable and secure packaging.
Each package is designed to ensure that your plant arrives in perfect health and without stress related to transport.
Will the plant look exactly like the photo?
The photos shown are true to the variety and the announced size (pot diameter and approximate height).
Each plant being unique, slight differences in shape, foliage, or shade may exist — that is what makes them so charming!
What are the delivery times and conditions?
Shipping is done within 48 business hours, with tracked delivery throughout Europe.
Plants are shipped from Monday to Wednesday to prevent them from being stuck over the weekend.
You receive a tracking link as soon as the package is dispatched.
What to do upon receiving my plant?
Open your package upon receipt, carefully remove the plant from its packaging and let it acclimate for 24 hours in its new environment before watering it.
If it has slightly suffered from transport, it will quickly regain its shape after one or two days in the light.
Can I put this plant outside?
It depends on the species. Most indoor plants prefer a bright place without direct sunlight, while outdoor plants like more direct light.
Refer to the exposure advice in the product description to know if it is suitable for a balcony, a terrace, or indoors.
What to do if my plant arrives damaged?
If your plant appears to have suffered during transport, contact us within 48 hours with a photo of the problem.
Our team will take the time to assess the situation and find the best solution: replacement, partial refund, or recovery advice.
Your satisfaction and the health of your plant remain our priority 🌿.
Can I return a plant?
Since plants are living beings, we do not accept standard returns.
However, we guarantee good health upon delivery: if the plant arrives damaged, it will be replaced free of charge.
For any other case (order error, cache-pot, accessory), returns are possible within 14 days.

