Incredibaqll Hydrangea, Incrediball Smooth Hydrangea, Incrediball Wild Hydrangea, Smooth Hydrangea 'Incrediball', Wild Hydrangea 'Incrediball', Hydrangea arborescens 'Abetwo', Hydrangea arborescens Strong Annabelle, Hydrangea arborescens 'Strong Annabelle'
Hydrangea arborescens Incrediball, commonly known as Incrediball Hydrangea, is a reliable and gorgeous flowering shrub celebrated for its impressive, large, round flower clusters that maintain their beauty throughout the blooming season. Its robust nature and prolonged blooming period make it a favorite among gardeners seeking to enhance their landscapes with stunning floral displays.
This hydrangea is a member of the Hydrangeaceae family, which includes several popular garden varieties like Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea), Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea), Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea), Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea), Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea), and Hydrangea anomala petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea).
Incrediball Hydrangea is renowned for its large, spherical flower clusters that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. The flowers begin as a lime green before turning pristine white and switching to a tan shade in the fall. This variety exhibits a sturdy growth habit, with strong stems capable of supporting the weight of the heavy blooms, making it an excellent choice for creating stunning focal points in various landscapes.
Incrediball is an improved version of the popular Annabelle hydrangea, with strong, sturdy stems that do not flop over and extra-large blooms.
Hydrangea arborescens is native to the eastern United States and is particularly found in woodland areas, along riverbanks, and in open spaces. This native habitat allows it to thrive in various garden conditions, making it adaptable to different soil types and light levels.
Incrediball Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub characterized by its upright, bushy growth habit. It typically develops multiple stems, creating a dense and lush appearance that enhances its ornamental value throughout the growing season.
Incrediball Hydrangea generally grows 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) tall and wide. This compact size makes it suitable for borders, mass plantings, or as a specimen plant in smaller gardens.
The most striking feature of Incrediball Hydrangea is its large, globe-like flower clusters, which bloom from early summer to fall. The flowers initially appear lime-green, mature to brilliant white, and then return to pale green in late summer before switching to a tan shade in fall. Each cluster can reach a diameter of up to 12 inches (30 cm), providing an impressive visual display.
Incrediball Hydrangea is noted for its upright stems that do not flop.
Blooming for up to two months, the blossoms are perfect for brightening shady areas and bringing life to the garden.
Incrediball is known for its prolific blooming ability, producing an abundance of flowers throughout the season. The shrub blooms on new wood, ensuring reliable flowering even after winter pruning.
The leaves of Incrediball Hydrangea are large, dark green, and oval-shaped, providing a lush backdrop for the stunning blooms. The foliage typically remains healthy throughout the growing season and turns beautiful shades of yellow or bronze in the fall, adding to the visual interest of the shrub.
Incrediball Hydrangea is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Incredibly hardy, even in the harshest winters, this US native hydrangea is perfect for mixed borders with companion plants, as a flowering hedge, or in mass plantings for stunning visual impact. It is also suitable for small gardens and patio containers. The blooms also make excellent cut flowers, adding elegance to floral arrangements. They can also be dried and preserved for use in wreaths and home decor, allowing you to enjoy their beauty year-round.
Hydrangea arborescens attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, due to its abundant flowers. Songbirds eat the seeds.
All parts of the plant are considered poisonous if ingested due to the presence of hydrangin, a cyanogenic glycoside. It’s generally safe for humans to handle, but ingestion can cause discomfort. Hydrangea is considered toxic to pets, including dogs and cats.
Hydrangea plants are not reliably deer-resistant, so protective measures may be necessary if deer are common in your area.
Incrediball Hydrangea is not considered invasive. It maintains its size and shape without spreading aggressively, making it a well-behaved addition to any garden setting.
Incrediball Hydrangea offers stunning floral displays, a long blooming season, and the ability to attract pollinators. Its versatility in landscape design and ability to adapt to different soil conditions make it a favored choice for gardeners seeking beauty and resilience in their gardens.
Incrediball Hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal blooming. Afternoon shade is beneficial in hot summer climates.
Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Thrives in well-drained, loamy soil. Adding organic matter can improve soil structure and fertility. The soil pH does not affect the flower color.
Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring as new growth begins. Fertilize again in mid-summer to support ongoing blooming. Everything you need to know about fertilizing hydrangeas.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back last year’s growth to about 12-18 inches to promote larger flower clusters. Learn how to prune your hydrangea to maximize flower production.
Can be propagated through cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Use stem cuttings with at least two nodes and root in moist potting soil. Discover how to propagate your hydrangea for more beautiful blooms.
Watch for pests like aphids and spider mites. Powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot can occur in humid conditions. Regular monitoring and proper care can mitigate these issues. Popular pests and diseases affecting hydrangea plants.
Incrediball Hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
While heavy pruning is not necessary, it is beneficial to cut back Incrediball Hydrangeas in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps maintain their shape and encourages robust flowering.
The best place to plant an Incrediball Hydrangea is in well-drained, loamy soil with plenty of sunlight. Choose a location that provides shelter from strong winds, which can help protect the large flower heads.
To keep Incrediball Hydrangeas blooming, ensure they receive adequate sunlight, maintain consistent moisture, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring. Regular deadheading of spent blooms can also encourage new growth and extended blooming throughout the summer.
| Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A3 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
| Common names | Hydrangea, Smooth Hydrangea |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
| Spread | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
| Spacing | 48" - 60" (120cm - 150cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Salt |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
| Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A3 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
| Common names | Hydrangea, Smooth Hydrangea |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
| Spread | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
| Spacing | 48" - 60" (120cm - 150cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Salt |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
How many Hydrangea arborescens Incrediball® (Smooth Hydrangea) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrangea arborescens Incrediball® (Smooth Hydrangea) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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