Which white hydrangea?

[lazysummer]

I am planting 2 white hydrangeas for DD's wedding on 1st September. I am undecided between Annabelle or Annabelle Strong. I am hoping that, if I order from Crocus, they will be in bloom by then. Alternatively, there were some other white taller ones in the Garden Centre- looked nice but too big. Any experiences with white hydrangeas, Annabelle particularly?

I’ve just bought an Annabelle, it a bit leggy, but I think that’s down to the weather and poor attention in the garden centre. Research on the RHS website says that it has large white heads. Here’s hoping!

Thank you. Does it have any flowers yet?

Yes it has flowers, but they probably will be better next year when I’ve planted it in lovely compost and fed it through the spring! I have high hopes of a spectacular outcome.

Same, I love Annabelle but bought one last autumn which has struggled. I hope it regains some strength over the winter and gets going properly for next year.

Are you wanting to cut the flowers, or enjoy them in the garden?

I want to put them into a pot for DD's wedding, then enjoy in the garden. I think I am being optimistic about flowers in September this year though.

Its a lovely idea, but I think it’s a bit of a gamble to plant one now expecting to have a full and flumptuous shrub full of blooms for next year. An easier but more expensive option would be to buy two perfect shrubs full of flowers nearer the wedding, and plant them in the garden afterwards. You could each have one then.

I agree with Trethew, unless your shrub is well established, flowers of any size or quantity would not appear this year.
It is possible to get ‘forced’ potted plants in nurseries, designed to look good as house plants for a season. They are usually full of blooms and planted out after the blooms have faded.
In my experience they then take a season or so to re-establish themselves and flower well.

Good idea. I will order Annabelle anyway as that was the plan, then buy a pair of nice white ones in a few weeks. I have never understood about plants being forced, and now understand why my hydrangeas bought from Lidl last year are looking so sorry for themselves this season!

I've found that florists quite often have great potted white hydrangeas that give immediate impact. I've bought quite a few for decorative purposes, then planted them in the garden afterwards and they look fabulous. Not Annabel though, silver dollar, limelight and something mop-head but I can't remember the name.

Thanks. I have a couple of Silver Dollar and they are lovely.

Does anyone have a strong Annabelle? I am confused at the difference between the two Annabelles. I suppose the name is a clue.