Annabelle Trail Map

Click Here to Download the 2024 Annabelle Trail Map

Legend of the Annabelle

It is said that Harriet Kirkpatrick, of the famous Anna Pottery Family, discovered these beautiful hydrangeas in 1910 while riding her horse in the woods near Anna. She and Amy Kirkpatrick went back and dug up some of the plants and took them home to put in the family’s yard.

The Kirkpatrick family generously shared the plants with friends and neighbors. About 50 years later, Bon Hartline of Anna, who is probably best known for his collection of 100 genera of American hybrid holly shrubs and trees, became interested in the Annabelle. He invited his former University of Illinois professor, Dr. J.C. McDaniel, to visit Anna to study the plant.

Dr. McDaniel classified and registered it as hydrangea arborescence in 1960. It is said that he originally gave it the common name of Ballerina because of the flower’s very round shape, However, it is thought the name Annabelle was chosen for the two belles from Anna who discovered the beautiful plant over 100 years ago!

How To Care For Annabelles
> Grow best in part shade
> Prune or trim after the plant has bloomed!
> Keep watered well the first year!
> Enjoy your beautiful Annabelles!

If you would like to be on our Annabelle trail for our Annabelle festival please call Martha Ann Webb at 618-614-0939 or send an email to marthaannwebb@gmail.com so you can be added to the trail map! 

You may also email pictures of your Annabelles to Martha!