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photo of Dr. Tom Ranney

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

INVINCIBELLE® Ruby

Hydrangea - Smooth

Hydrangea arborescens

'NCHA3'

PP#28,317; CBR#5623

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Invincibelle Ruby hydrangea covered in deep pink blooms in the landscape Closeup of the deep ruby pink blooms of Invincibelle Ruby hydrangea Four neatly rounded and abundantly blooming Invincibelle Ruby hydrangeas in the landscape A deeply colorful specimen of Invincibelle Ruby hydrangea in a nursery field Two Invincibelle Ruby hydrangeas covered in pink blooms Closeup of the deep pink blooms of Invincibelle Ruby hydrangea held up on strong stems YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Unique color
  • Strong stems
  • Award winner
Description

The only Hydrangea arborescens with ruby red flowers!

The deep ruby flower buds of Invincibelle® Ruby hydrangea open to a two-toned combination of bright ruby red and silvery pink. Rich, unique color isn't the only thing that sets it apart from other smooth hydrangeas - it also has handsome dark foliage, very strong stems, and reblooms all season, producing fresh blooms into autumn.

Awards
Bronze Medal, Plantarium 2016; Green Thumb award, Direct Gardening Association
USDA Zone
3 - 8 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3 - 4'
Width
2 - 3'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Red
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.

  • Spec Sheet: Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea Spec Sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week January 23, 2020
  • Tag: Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea Tag
  • Grower Sheet: Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea Grower Sheet
  • Benchcard: Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea Benchcard
  • Grower Sheet: Spec Sheet: 2020 Shrubs of the Year Grower’s Guide
  • Booklet/Brochure: A New Vision for Native Shrubs

    • Features: Cut flower, Native, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Reblooming, 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, Red flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Cut flower, Native, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Reblooming, 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, Red flowers, Green foliage