Now available at all 4 locations!
The story of the Smooth Hydrangea we know today began more than a century ago, in 1910, when a woman in southern Illinois discovered an unusual native Hydrangea growing along a woodland trail. Unlike the typical plants around it, this specimen produced remarkably large, snowball-like blooms. Intrigued by the unique plant, she dug it up and transplanted it to her home garden.
Word of the exceptional Hydrangea spread throughout southern Illinois, and the plant was shared and propagated locally for decades. Nearly 50 years later, a University of Illinois professor noticed the distinctive Hydrangea growing near Urbana. Curious about its origins, he traced the plant back to southern Illinois and collected material for propagation. He eventually named the cultivar ‘Annabelle’ and introduced this remarkable native selection into commercial production in 1962. The name honored the “belles” of Anna, Illinois—the women who first discovered and shared the plant.
For generations, Annabelle Smooth Hydrangea has been a landscape favorite and, for many years, our top-selling shrub. It remains one of the most familiar and widely planted shrubs in our area. But plant breeders and researchers have continued working to improve upon this classic, focusing on stronger stems, better foliage, more compact growth and improved flowering.
Those efforts have produced outstanding selections including ‘Incrediball’, ‘Incrediball Storm Proof’ and ‘FlowerFull’. Yet one challenge remained: creating a truly exceptional pink-flowered Annabelle. Breeders around the world have worked for years to develop the ideal pink Smooth Hydrangea. Along the way, many impressive varieties have been introduced, with each generation bringing improvements in flower color, stem strength, plant habit, foliage and production.
Now, the “Better Pink” Hydrangea has arrived!
Just in time for Labor Day and the fall planting season, DreamScape® Smooth Hydrangea brings a fresh take on this beloved garden classic. Beginning in late June, DreamScape® produces abundant blooms throughout July. Flowers emerge in a rich, dark ruby pink before gradually aging to a beautiful parchment pink, creating an evolving display of color. Strong stems hold the blooms beautifully above the plant’s dark green foliage.
With its intermediate size and compact habit, DreamScape® reaches approximately 3–4 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide at maturity, making it an excellent choice for landscapes where a more manageable Smooth Hydrangea is desired. And, like other Smooth Hydrangeas, it blooms on new growth, so you can prune it harder each spring to maintain an even more compact shape.
DreamScape® Smooth Hydrangea was bred by Bailey Nurseries, who also introduced Flowerfull™ Smooth Hydrangea, as well as the Endless Summer Hydrangea series.
