Another of the three categories of hydrangeas is the arborescens species, to which "Annabelle" belongs. Like PeeGees, these are very hardy (zones 3-4). But move over 'Annabelle' and make room for ...

Examples are the Annabelle, Incrediball and the Invincibelle Spirit hydrangeas. These all flower on new wood. Cut the stems back to just one to two feet tall in early spring.

Hydrangea leaf-tier moth (Exartema ferriferanum) attacks several hydrangea species but prefers Annabelle and Incrediball® hydrangeas.(RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden) By Tim Johnson.