Unfortunately, Annabelle hydrangeas are not deer resistant. To the contrary, Rutgers gives smooth hydrangeas a C rating for deer resistance (on a scale of A to D), meaning they are "occasionally severely damaged" by deer. So if your yard is frequented by deer, hydrangeas may not be the best shrub for your landscape. You can, however, try to successfully grow hydrangeas by using a physical barrier, such as fencing or netting, or by spraying organic deer repellent on the plant when buds begin forming. Another option is planting hydrangeas closest to your house and planting only deer-resistant plants further out, to try to mask the hydrangeas from the deer. (Here’s more on how to stop deer from eating hydrangeas.)