Plants: Hydrangea arborescens 'Bella anna' - sevenbark, smooth hydrangea

Bella Anna™ is another successful introduction of sevenbark with pink flowers. It was bred by the famous botanist Michael Dirr in 2008 and patented in 2010 under PP21,227. Compared to the previously introduced variety Invincibelle SpiritŸ this one has a tone deeper pink flowers. It became a part of the proud and proved series ENDLESS SUMMERŸ.

Bella Anna™ is a very hardy smooth hydrangea with globular inflorescence, very similar to those of mop-head hydrangeas, yet the individual flowers are smaller and appear in larger quantity. They are borne atop 60-90 cm tall stems that are strong enough to hold the weigh of the flowers yet looking slender enough to make an elegant shrub perfect for a cottage garden as well as a sophisticated city pot. Deciduous leaves are broadly ovate, mid green, changing to yellow in autumn.

Grow this hydrangea if you are in doubt whether the large-leaved mop-head types with coloured flowers will survive your winter. This one will grow happily in USDA zone 3 where winter temperatures drop down to -40°C, and can (or possibly should) be cut severely in the spring. It benefits from regular hard pruning in early spring.

It will grow in almost any soil type, moist soil that will not be too heavy or shallow. Fertilizing is not necessary but the plant will be stronger in humus-rich soil. Don't forget to water this beauty more frequently as it is dependent on regular water supply. Hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3).

Size/type: medium-sized shrub
Usual height: 0.6-1m
Usual width: 0.6-1m
Leaves: deciduous conifer
Colour of leaves: light green
Flowers: showy
Colour of flowers: pink
Blooming time: july - august
Location: full to partial sun
Usda zone (lowest): 3 (down to -40°c)
Belongs to categories: deciduous broadleaf, summer blooms