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AWARD WINNING

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photo of Tim Wood

Meet the Breeder

Tim Wood
Grand Haven, MI, USA

AWARD WINNING

INCREDIBALL®

Hydrangea - Smooth

Hydrangea arborescens

'Abetwo'

PP#20,571; CBR#4166

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The very large white mophead blooms of Incrediball hydrangea "} A specimen of Incrediball hydrangea covered in large white blooms A man holding Annabelle hydrangea in his left hand and Incrediball hydrangea in his right showing how much larger the Incrediball bloom is A curving hedge of several Incrediball hydrangea in full bloom in summer Closeup of a large bloom of Incrediball hydrangea Incrediball hydrangea in winter all brown and dormant but clearly showing its strong upright stems A very large specimen of Incrediball hydrangea covered in enormous white flowers with a yellow house with blue shutters in the background YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Strong stems
  • Extra large flowers
  • Native to North America
Description

Literally, a huge improvement over 'Annabelle'!

Our goal in creating Incrediball® hydrangea was to develop a non-flopping version of 'Annabelle.' What we ultimately selected, though, was even better: a powerhouse of a plant that not only has strong, sturdy, supportive stems, but also extra large flowers. On mature plants, they can become as large as basketballs! Blooms age to a beautiful jade green through summer and fall. Don't let its good looks fool you, though - this North American native is super hardy and tough as nails.

Awards
Bronze Medal, Plantarium 2011
USDA Zone
3 - 8 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
4 - 5'
Width
4 - 5'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Grows well in most soils; avoid wet and poorly drained sites. Mulch is recommended in the landscape.

Pruning

Blooms on new wood - cut back by about one-third its total height in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge on the stems. Smooth hydrangeas may be cut back harder, however, this prevents woody cells from developing, prohibiting the plant from achieving its maximum stem strength.

Uses

Versatile and showy, smooth hydrangeas offer dozens of landscape applications: foundation plantings, perennial gardens, hedges, cut flower gardens, naturalizing, pollinator and wildlife gardens.

Growing Tips

We recommend full sun for smooth hydrangeas in the cooler end of its hardiness range; afternoon shade is a good idea in warmer climates, however. The flower color of smooth hydrangeas is not influenced by soil chemistry. Makes an excellent cut flower, both cut and dried.

  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week July 30, 2020
  • Spec Sheet: Incrediball® Hydrangea Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Incrediball® Hydrangea Benchcard
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week September 22, 2022
  • Tag: Incrediball® Hydrangea Tag
  • Booklet/Brochure: Proven Winners ColorChoice Programs: 2022 Shrubs of the Year Growing Guide
  • Plant of the Week: Incrediball® Hydrangea; August 2, 2018
  • Grower Sheet: Incrediball® Hydrangea Grower Sheet

    • Features: Cut flower, Native, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Award winner

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Smooth, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Cut flower, Native, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Award winner

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Smooth, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage