This is my first year with this plant as well. It is very small yet and the blooms don't seem to keep their pink color for long - they fade quickly, but it is immature so I will give it the benefit of the doubt. I was hoping it would be as wonderful as Annabelle but pink but so far it ain't so.
Jacquie

That 'Invincibelle Spirit' has brown-looking blooms too. I saw them at the nursery here this year and hated them. I think they are doctoring the promotional photos to make them appear more pink. In real life they are so ugly!

I don't think you should judge Bella Anna so quickly, or compare it to Hydrangea macrophylla. It is a different species with different uses and attributes. Just like Annabelle or any other Hydrangea arborescens, it is going to take a few years in the garden to mature and look their best. I think you will find that the flower color improves once the plant is in the ground and the roots are established. At least this has been my experience.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Plant Hunter

dincanmsu - are you saying that the flowers change color in subsequent years?

What I don't care for is the combination of a pink tinge on top of a lime background. If that somehow goes away as the plant matures, it would be great.

I don't expect it to be anything like a mac - was just stating that if someone had that expectation for a pink color, I think they'd be disappointed given the difference(from both macrophyllas and from most Bella Anna online photos).

I,m disapointed in its color as well. My mom loves the color mauve so she thinks its great.