Pure White Hydrangea 'Annabelle' Begins Blooming at Hitachi Seaside Park

Hydrangea Annabelle (photographed on June 14, 2026)

At 'Hinano no Hayashi' in Hitachi Seaside Park, approximately 550 Annabelle hydrangeas have begun blooming. This year's peak viewing period is expected to last from June 20 to the first week of July. Under the deciduous forest during the rainy season, the pure white decorative flowers (sepals) bloom in a ball-like shape, creating a refreshing and elegant atmosphere. As we enter the rainy season, we invite visitors to enjoy the cool and serene beauty of Annabelle.

The Changing Colors of 'Annabelle'

Annabelle is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to North America. Also known as 'American hydrangea,' it is a cultivated variety derived from Hydrangea arborescens. Unlike 'Western hydrangeas'—which originated from Japanese hydrangeas that were brought to Europe, improved, and then re-imported to Japan—Annabelle has a different lineage.

Growing 100–150 cm tall, the small pure white sepals cluster into 20 cm spherical blooms. One of Annabelle's charms is its changing flower color: starting as a soft green in bud form, turning pure white when fully bloomed, then reverting to green as it matures, and finally drying into a straw-like texture by autumn.

[Hydrangea Annabelle]

Peak Bloom Period

June 20 – first week of July (around July 4)

Number of Plants

Approximately 550

Location

Hinano no Hayashi

Planting Area

Approximately 700㎡

Annabelle and Lavender Bloom Together in 'Fragrance Valley'

Photographed on June 14, 2026, in 'Fragrance Valley'

In addition to 'Hinano no Hayashi,' Annabelle can also be viewed in 'Fragrance Valley.' Lavender is currently blooming, and visitors can soon enjoy the contrast of white and purple hues along with the soothing fragrance. Enjoy cycling or strolling through this seasonal landscape at 'Fragrance Valley.'

Enjoy Various Hydrangea Varieties at 'Hinano no Hayashi'

'Hinano no Hayashi' also features newly planted hydrangea varieties in red and pink, such as 'Tornado' and 'Meadow,' introduced last year. These unique cultivars offer different visual appeal and contrast compared to the pure white Annabelle. They add vibrant color and a cheerful atmosphere to the forest landscape. We welcome visitors to experience the unique floral scenery of the rainy season.

[Tornado] Features uniquely twisted petals

[Meadow] A refined variety with gently spreading round petals. Its ability to bloom in blue or pink depending on soil conditions reflects the classic charm of hydrangeas.

Kochia Planting Underway at 'Miharashi no Oka'

Near 'Hinano no Hayashi,' kochia planting is currently underway at 'Miharashi no Oka.' This year marks the 20th anniversary of kochia planting, with approximately 40,000 kochia plants being planted in neat green lines across 'Miharashi no Oka' and the newly established 'Miharashi no Sato.' The sight of tiny 'baby kochia' being planted one by one by hand across the vast hillside has become a signature early summer scene at the park. Planting is expected to be completed by around July 4 (Saturday).

[Video Footage of Kochia Planting Available]

Video footage (ground-level) of this year's planting operations is available for media use.

Please feel free to contact us.

Hitachi Seaside Park Management Center

Located on the Pacific coast of Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi Seaside Park offers a vibrant array of seasonal flowers throughout the year: Nemophila in spring, tulips and daffodils; poppies and roses in early summer; zinnias and sunflowers in summer; kochia and cosmos in autumn; and ice tulips in winter. The park also features 'Pleasure Garden,' an amusement park with a 100-meter-high observation wheel, roller coasters, and various attractions, as well as forest adventure courses and barbecue areas. With diverse activities including dining, sports, and picnics, visitors can enjoy the park in their own unique way.