So I took a break from work in the middle of the day today and went to two more nurseries in search of Annabelle Hydrangeas. Wow was it hot today!
Did not find what I was looking for so have decided to order them but something possibly wonderful happened when I clicked on the inspiration photo from my prior post ( Annabelle Hydrangeas_) It took me to the Proven Winners hydrangea offering of Incrediball, which is like the Annabelle except it’s not. Basically this version promises sturdier stems to counter the Annabelle flop AND it endures harsh winters. I have decided to buy these online and forget about running over hill and dale looking for the Annabelle ones. I am also going to try them without the tomato cage based on the promise; can always add that later.
Here is the description from the proven winners site:
This adaptable native plant produces huge flowers (as much as 12″ across) and is both reliable and beautiful. Flowers open green, then mature to white before turning green at the end of their life cycle. Very cold hardy Incrediball blooms on new growth so even very cold winters won’t keep it from blooming. The flowers are held upright on very sturdy stems, so they don’t flop like ‘Annabelle’ will.
And an image from their site:
My only regret now is that I did not do this much sooner. Will post again on them once they arrive and are planted.