Hydrangea Care - Ask Extension
I’m hoping to confirm the species of my hydrangea in addition to general care recommendations. I believe this is an Annabelle hydrangea, but wanted ...
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Hydrangea Care #908368
Asked July 03, 2025, 2:53 PM EDT
I’m hoping to confirm the species of my hydrangea in addition to general care recommendations. I believe this is an Annabelle hydrangea, but wanted to confirm. If that is the case, am I correct that new flowers grow on the old wood? As you can see in the photo, the hydrangeas are very overgrown, bending over, and need to be trimmed back. I am curious how to prune these/cut them back without preventing new blooms during the upcoming year. Is there also a way to prevent them from drooping so much? I am also attempting to change the color of the hydrangeas via acidifying solution to the soil and I’m having difficulty. I’m curious if you have recommendations on how to successfully do this. Thank you!
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Jessica,
That is an Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’). These shrubs grow on new wood and can be pruned in the spring. Read more here: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-hydrangeas-best-bloom
These hydrangeas have white blooms and the color cannot be manipulated by changing the acidity of the soil. Read about Hydrangea care here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/flowers-shrubs-trees/general-care-hydrangeas
Unfortunately, unless the shrubs have support of some kind, the heavy blooms do tend to bend over.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
