The end of a hydrangea era in my garden

This whole video started with a comment on a different video a couple months ago. A viewer wanted to know what I would do with a hydrangea that wasn't performing well for her, even though a lot of people love it. My advice: There are too many great hydrangeas out right now to stick with anything that isn't performing for you.
And that's how I ended up at Flowerfull Hydrangea arborescens, a new (in 2025) hydrangea from First Editions Trees and Shrubs. It's an improvement on the beloved but imperfect 'Annabelle' hydrangea, and I'm taking the leap and getting rid of my 'Annabelle' and replacing it with Flowerfull, which is bred for stiff stems, more flowers and better disease resistance.
This video is not sponsored but plants were kindly provided by First Editions Trees and Shrubs.
-------- L I N K S --------
Flowerfull hydrangea:
www.baileynurs...
--------- A B O U T -----------
My name is Erin and I love sharing inspiration and information with real-life gardeners. I live and garden in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5b/6a.
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[@pamderolf2883]

You might have more sexcess with red hot pokers.😉

[@TheImpatientGardener]

🤣

[@deniporter3321]

@pamderolf2883 and no sexcess with floppy weak stems.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

@@deniporter3321 A+++

[@Gardenabundance]

😂😂😂you guys are cracking me up

[@terrivance8750]

😂😂😂

[@catf4865]

You remain the KZbinr I’d most like to buy an adult beverage. Anyone wonders why, just catch the blooper at the end of the video. Thanks for that.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I’d take you up on that!

[@catf4865]

@@TheImpatientGardener if you’re ever in the Twin Cities …

[@jenperry427]

my hydrangeas and I have a strictly platonic relationship 💮

[@TheImpatientGardener]

🤣

[@cristidirks7193]

Thanks for the blooper!! I always knew your garden was special and now we know!! 😂

[@paulacothren3591]

Also, the butt crack view was special!

[@sanbornmeadowfarm]

I have an Annabelle...who's name is Annabelle, ha!...that I inherited from a dear friend who moved far away. We dug Annabelle up from her garden before she left and Annabelle has moved three more times to what I hope is her final resting place in my current garden. She flops all over and generally looks untidy at this point in the year but I will never replace her. I think of my friend every time I walk by her in the garden. We are still friends but she lives on the other side of the globe so visits are, well, difficult. Good luck with your Flowerfulls!

[@soothirak]

Too much water or heavy rain make them flopped!! Another reason is too shady and they reach out to the sunlights!!

[@nancysueleske7819]

I get that. A flower from A friend has even more attachments! I live at the very region this hydrangea was supposedly discovered and developed, so yes, it is a bit sad to see them deleted.

[@christinenagel8300]

Lol the blooper at the end😂😂. Thanks for sharing your hydrangea journey.

[@fletcherhouseandgarden]

My goodness! Thank you for the whole episode, of course…but I must admit that blooper at the end 100% made my day! 😂 As always, your authenticity is invaluable. Love it. Chef’s kiss.

[@joanreichenbach4896]

I always appreciate honest gardeners - “ignore that” makes it all real. It is so hard to keep up with everything. Unless you have a crew or it is your full time KZbin job. Thanks for sharing the blooper!

[@jmh664]

I never fail to learn something watching you channel…….love the bloopers!😂

[@alice_rabbit8345]

Like Linda Vader says-“don’t let your plants bully you”! Can’t wait to see the new ones next year!

[@JLee-pc2vc]

I would love to see a Wine & Weeds episode with Erin and Linda!

[@InTheDeepBlueSea]

Listen? Closer! A little closer.... Can you hear it? Closer....! THAT horiffic sound would be my heart breaking into pieces! Honestly trying not to cry here. Sincerely, Sobbing in Seattle 😫💔🥀 PS. As you get older you will learn to embrace the things that flop! 🙄

[@kerlor478]

Me too! My heart is crying for those Annabelle but I can totally understand.

[@flatcreek4665]

Thanks for the blooper at the end. Had a good chuckle with that one!

[@Mo-mr8vv]

Mr. Much more patient! I love it!

[@asimpson6171]

This has become my gardening philosophy too. If you don't love it move on,

[@shelleymolinaro5866]

I am on the same plant journey Erin. I bought my house 25 years ago and Annabelle was one of the first plants that I put in. I have dug out so many edges of the clump for so many friends.Kept and given away so many bouquets for dried flowers to last through the winter months. And enjoyed her every year!!!! But the Flopping ugh. I have been flirting with taking her out for the past 5 years, You are giving me courage. Please give us updates on the new improved version through the next year. By the time I up my game those new plants may be in the mainstream plant market. Shelley in Portland OR ps Regarding Mr muchmorepatient...He's a keeper🙂

[@LOVEIDUSA]

Still laughing......your closing statement about your relationship with plants was priceless!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@MaryilynSampson-ne5jh]

I feel so much better when other gardeners pull out bushes too! I move things a lot and don't hesitate to pull a plant if it just isn't right anymore! Guilt free!

[@annakozlowski4837]

I agree we are in control of the garden not the plants😊by the way you are looking gorgeous and so healthy❤

[@truthtalker4038]

I like it when they flop... I think they look just as pretty. There is a yt gardener that has these and they flop over her retaining wall, and it looks absolutely gorgeous! I understand why some wouldn't like the flopping.. but I love it!

[@sarahchristine546]

I started my gardening journey 7 years ago and like you have learned so much. Thank you for showing us it’s okay to let go of some nostalgic things to make room for things we love now.

[@jcbfree]

Did you shed a tear when Mr Muchmore patient was hacking them off? Thx for the laughs with the black patch on the backside and the ending. Have a great day.

[@pamelavalente3731]

Should be interesting to see how your new hydrangeas perform! 💚😊💚

[@heatherw.2751]

I replanted all along the front of my house this spring. I took out a couple of perfectly healthy shrubs that I was sick of fighting. I’m trying some new (to me) plants and it’s been so exciting! Happy Friday the 13th! 🙂

[@brandiehuck3381]

Love the outtake Erin….. That was awesome,… i spit my drink out in laughter!..Thanks for keeping it real sister!

[@please-wake-up-now]

I love how you’re always trying new things in the garden! 🌼 It’s so true, a garden should be about joy and what works for us. Plus, that blooper at the end? 😂🙌 Just shows you’re down-to-earth and relatable! Can't wait to see how the Flowerfull turns out! 🌿

[@callaflower221]

I don’t blame you for this change. I dug out an Annabelle this year that I’ve been mad at for a while. Not only do I hate flopping, I hate green flowers!!!! If only it would stay white. It might have stayed around. I dug it out and gave away sad chunks of it. It should live for someone else.

[@patty8193]

Can totally relate, I have a big leaf hydrangea that no longer serves me. So many other great options now to choose from!

[@kristywhited8857]

Hydrangeas and I (well, I only have ONE) will be parting company soon. The deer keep mauling it and it always looks terrible. I loved your video and the blooper....and I loved reading all the comments about the blooper. This is a fun group! 😀

[@MichelleSuggs-ls1ki]

Just a little gardeners humor to start the day👩🏼‍🌾🤣

[@bonniejoberg388]

😆Now we know what you're thinking about! LOL! The new hydrangeas look great, hopefully they will preform as advertised.

[@clematis1212]

Great tip about watering as we head into winter. I planted my first hydrangea this year, a bobo, and I want to make sure it is off to a great start. Always appreciate your wonderful videos. Good luck with your new hydrangeas! They look lovely!

[@JRP58]

The blooper was hilarious, thanks for leaving it in! 😂I am in the process of removing two 20+year old hydrangeas that just don’t work in my yard, so I appreciate this video.

[@susanducey5142]

AWESOME video…your explanation in the beginning was great plants have a lot of sentimental value too..but can need a refresh but it is hard…thanks for back story and of course the blooper priceless…also loved the bouquets nice goodbye..wish I was a neighbor..Annabel’s blooms don’t get that big in Colorado!

[@LezleyChapot]

Oh you crack me up - I want to sip and stroll with you in your fab garden.

[@TeresaByington]

Wo! Big change! We did the exact same thing last year! We have replaced her with newer varieties. I can tell you that even though we dug, dug, dug roots. She is popping up here and there! So you may get little visits for a while. We are so glad we did this and you will too!! All the best!!

[@pamelafrydman4429]

Keeping alive your blooper energy - I just saw a Gomphocarpus physocarpus or Hairy Balls plant! It is a wonder even without the sexual innuendo! Deer resistant! I plan on growing some from seed next year.

[@kandyharris2195]

Looking forward to the progress in this area with the new hydrangeas ❤ still giggling with the ending blooper 🤭

[@TheImpatientGardener]

See? Aren't you glad you watched the whole thing? lol

[@mercury_rising]

@@TheImpatientGardenerso glad I watched the whole thing 😂.

[@Angel-wolfe]

Those flowers are huge!!! Love the new look! Thank you for the blooper in the end !! 😂

[@heidihein8662]

It's the torrential rain and winds that we have on the West Coast that knock over my Annabelles. Flowerful is on my wish list for when they make their way to. 🇨🇦

[@guntaweiland3428]

No words for the blooper❤. Annabelle was the first hydrangea I grew many years ago - we’ve since moved to a different climate, but I still think of her with a happy heart. Have grown many other kinds since then.

[@kelleyamador8838]

I think you made a wise decision!

[@jomassey4207]

Yay!!! No more drooping flowers. You are onto a good thing. Wont take long to bush out.😊

[@afireinside142]

This comes at the perfect time for me. Taking over the home that my late MIL planted several hydrangeas in front of. No idea the type, they were probably planted 20 years ago. They get around 5 feet tall and look nice for about two weeks before the blooms all turn brown and they flop over, the leaves have a bunch of brown spots too. Plus they’re growing into the sidewalk, it’s just a mess that hasn’t been tended to in several years. So I’ll be taking them out and redoing the bed.

[@JennyT101]

Lol. The blooper at the end almost made me spit out my coffee!

[@joanotte7097]

And this is why I love your videos 😂

[@judithhopes151]

I had never heard of an annabelle hydrangea until watching your video.

[@themantelpiece]

Thank you for the pep talk. We just killed/dug out most of our perennials and shrubs and leveled the whole area for these same reasons. I was feeling guilty because they were all healthy and thriving, just way too big and hard to manage. Now it’s a clean slate and waiting for inspiration!

[@InTheDeepBlueSea]

😳

[@ncflowergirl1446]

The Annabelle’s do look nice where you have them but after replacing mine last year I understand. I am excited about these. I don’t have high hopes for the Incrediballs I replaced them with. I’m zone 8 and I planted them on my south side. Hoping for the sweet country house look. Having dug out my Annabelle’s myself awesome job Mr.MuchMorePatient!

[@hylandgundy2698]

This is brave. I could not have done this. Can't wait to see next year's results.

[@sharonrose818]

The last 2 seconds. Pure gold.

[@BottlegardenUK]

Wow what a blooper!!!😮😅😂🎉

[@garybusby3131]

Looking forward to seeing it grow. Beautiful sized plants. It's Barbie on my late husbands account. Blooper on end, priceless 😂.

[@lynnshellyjunck117]

There are hydrangeas all over my area. I love them. I am trying for the 3rd time to get one going. This time, I hedged my bet and planted a tall variety of hollyhocks to fill in the space while I see if this one will go. It's working!! I think the holly hocks are providing some cover for it (southern facing zone 5). Thankfully, the holly hocks don't mind being pruned on. I will be moving out the holly hocks as the hydrangea grows (hopefully). I'm also in the camp, if you don't love it - get it gone. Gardens are for joy, not judgment.

[@terrivance8750]

Erin, Love the blooper @ the end! 😆😆😆

[@kathleenpalmer845]

I too have an old Annabelle hydrangea that is about 30 years old. Twenty-five years ago I brought it with me from my old house and planted it on the north side of my current home. It grew very large. Then I moved it to the lake side (east) of the house and finally to the woods line. It has thrived even in the shade until this summer. It’s still alive but not near as thick. It still puts down new stems. I can’t bear to take it out. I got quite melancholy watching you take your 22 year old one out. But I am very interested in seeing how these newer, stronger stemmed versions will work for you . The blooper was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! Thank you for starting my weekend out with a good laugh!

[@pjpellatt5656]

😂😂😂. Oh my god!!! Your blooper at the end had me in stitches! ☘️🇨🇦. Happy gardening, Erin and I’m in the same boat with my Annie’s. 😉

[@samoatodd8730]

❤ this was fun……… I think I’ll plant some hydrangeas 😊

[@pacjam418]

My guess was you were putting in the PW Incrediball hydrangea. I’ve never seen the Flowerful. Can’t wait to see what they become. RIP Annabelle.

[@StayPositive050]

She may have wanted smaller? The Incrediballs get 4-5’ tall.

[@GardenEvolution]

Awesome additions! Dramatic difference as well.

[@kerryclare3456]

Got absolutely overtaken by a 10 year high-bush cranberry. We cut the whole monster down, after it grew an arm and shadowed my yard. My husband felt he "murdered" it, but the next afternoon I told him to come see how his little "murdered" bush was. It was already growing new leaves! I clip it back each week now:I am in charge. Tenacious Green - should be a color of the year!

[@thecakepopsistars]

Thanks for showing how you plant shrubs, trees and the tip to make sure we water extra well 😊

[@barbiekilbourne3226]

I had a hedge of these. I cut the hedge length in half last fall. Same reasons you stated. A friend came and is utilizing them at her home. She now has a 65 foot hedge! I'm going to take the rest out this fall or spring. I thought i could still love it, but i really want a hydrangea that can "stand up" to the task. Thinking quick fire fab. Thanks for your videos!

[@barbiekilbourne3226]

I see alot of reproduction in the garden, however, I have never been 'involved ' 😂😂 love that out take.

[@pacjam418]

I love that Quick Fire.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

:)

[@janellhunt8364]

Best laugh I've had all day!! Thanks

[@bagedi100]

When comparing your zone to more southern zones, you said you had, "A little bit more latitude." That was great, whether intentional or not. Love the channel.

[@lisag6796]

Oh my, love the blooper!!!

[@angelacollins1343]

Love the outtake🙃

[@martihurford]

Good luck with the new Hydrangeas and I have to remember to give mine more water. I saw first hand how mine grew so much this year because of all the consistent rain we received in S.E. Michigan during the summer. Two especially that have looked stunted just shot up! Wow!

[@kimbar11]

Omg - your blooper. Ha! We all love hydrangeas, but not that much. 😂

[@lynbuerkett8537]

So excited for this plant

[@upnorth21]

I'm sure we can all relate with the Annabelle saga. The northside of my house has a hedge of them (started with just one plant) They are gorgeous but can always count on the flop. I think you will be very happy with the new plants. They look great already.

[@SusanGBell]

Those hydrangeas are very frisky! LOL Best blooper ending ever!

[@mickidonahue4038]

I had two Annebelles in containers in 9b California. I loved them as they bloomed white and delicate, but a week later our first heatwave would brown the edges, and it was all over. I just handed them over to a neighbor with more shade. I'm replacing with a Vanilla Sky I found on clearance. Hopefully, I won't have to fret so much about them.

[@joaniechristensen8376]

Best blooper ever!😂😂😂

[@teresaswanson1850]

😂😂😂 glad I stayed for the end!

[@TheBking01]

Wow , it looks amazing Erin

[@swbates3]

Very brave! And I too go back and forth on pulling out my 20 year old Annabelle’s - so you’ve inspired me. About the deer….it’ll be interesting to also see whether they go after the First Editions - so we’ll have to stay tuned!

[@Gardenmimi1950]

The blooper made me laugh😂

[@carmenbailey1560]

Awesome thanks for sharing 👍❤️🙂

[@nnagle9224]

I just removed two hydrangeas, which are too tall and floppy. It was deep in my brain for a while, but you can easily avoid the better idea because you are attached to the colors and it has been so many years (and so fulfilling) since that quart-sized plant went in and grew.

[@shirleynall9048]

I also have a group of Annabelles that I need to replaced. It’s hard to pull them. They have been in this spot for 15 years. Maybe this will give me encouragement to do it.

[@JacquiQ]

Good decision ...gonna be great 🌺🌺

[@LS-um3zq]

I always plant fern at a north side, and hosta. I let them grow as they like and control them with the lawn mower. I think it looks beautiful.

[@JLee-pc2vc]

Every year I try to keep Annabelle from flopping. I never succeed. Lime Rickey, Limetta, and Haas Halo never flop. You've made me wonder why I'm still putting up with Annabelle. I will definitely try a Flowerful if I find one!

[@imahappygal1]

Excited to see how they progress!

[@pinetreesnflowers]

😂😂! I’m looking forward to getting a hedge of flowerfulls next year

[@shecool1313]

LOL! You can love your plants, but you can't LOVE your plants...😮😂😊 😎

[@TheImpatientGardener]

🤣

[@jennyharmony1371]

I sexcessfully Got over my fear of letting not great plants GO after this video!!

[@amamo22]

Love your blooper lol

[@68greenbelt]

I'm in Canada and I have seen "Flowerfull" at a few nurseries this Fall (I picked up two).

[@dianed805]

I did this very thing 2 years ago (with a heavy heart) and replaced it with a tuff stuff aha hydrangea and so happy i did.

[@lene9137]

Funny I have never been tempted to plant hydrangeas. When i started my garden I thought I wanted cottage garden style until I realized that everything floppy doesnt give me joy. I gave away most everything, kept a few choice plants and planted a beautiful Aeurum japanese maple with a large rock in front. Im much calmer with simple and structural.

[@gailforbes7834]

Go you! Life is too short to not take reasonable chances! So now it is confirmed that sex in the garden happens all the time, along with cracks in branches or otherwise!😂 Love your videos, always real, fun and I always learn something new!😉👍🏻😄

[@rbrown2746]

I have 2 coming from home depot today, can't wait

[@kimolsen1328]

Replaced my Annabelle’s years ago, unfortunately for me I replaced them with endless bummers🙄 Now I can’t replace those, because after 7YRS!!, they are finally blooming beautifully…oh the life of a gardener🌺

[@empresskimberly4410]

Very brave❤

[@dulcieosmonson7804]

Go back to the part of the video where you put the buckets of blooms in front of your grasses along the road. What a great mix of texture and shades of green. It would be beautiful to intermingle some hydrangeas in front of the mass of grasses and you wouldn't have to care if they flop.

[@kaylynnlitersky2342]

Omg! I’ve had to dig out many Annabelle’s that turned into a solid 9 x 12 foot area! I feel your pain 😂

[@nancymaslanka2940]

Removing a large, healthy plant is one thing, NOT knowing how a new plant will perform is another (NOT “tried and true”), But There is so much to be said about sentiment, about how this was your plant of choice for THAT spot, so many years ago, when you were younger, and it grew…and you picked countless bouquets from it, and got so much pleasure out of it simply bc it gave you flowers. What can I say, some of us just want to go back.

[@terrimainey4656]

Holy cow.. the outtake! Bahaha! Good one!

[@pamelafrydman4429]

Learned and chuckled along with you!🙏🏻 I too have a North facing foundation planting area. It’s next to my neighbor’s house (I live in an urban area), adjacent my driveway and kitchen windows. So I see this view a lot. Although on his property (mostly) it is my responsibility to maintain this long, narrow strip. (Neighbor asked me to do this.) The day lilies already planted here are doing ok, not great. I’d appreciate advice on what can work in this shady, low light, little rain space. Thank you!