Return to Plant Finder
AWARD WINNING

Clicking the following controls will change the main image displayed above.

photo of Tim Wood

Meet the Breeder

Tim Wood
Grand Haven, MI, USA

AWARD WINNING

INVINCIBELLE SUBLIME™

Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

'SMNHRL'

PP#34,418; CBRAF

Swipe to View More
Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea bears huge mophead flowers of a fresh green color. "} A large Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea growing in a landscape. A close look at the green florets of Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea. Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea growing in a garden surrounded by evergreens. Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea bears large mophead flowers on sturdy stems. Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea blooming in early summer. The mophead flowers of Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea seem to glow in the summer shade. The cloud-like flowers of Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea. Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea planted in front of a home. Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea has lime green flowers The green flowers of Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea at their peak bloom in summer. Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea in summer. The appealing rounded habit of Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea.
  • Huge flowers
  • Sturdy stems
  • Native
Description

Invincibelle Sublime hydrangea (H. arborescens) ushers in a new day for full-sized smooth hydrangeas, with cloud-like mophead flowers floating above the plant on super-sturdy stems. Each floret of the big, fluffy blooms is a deeply saturated tourmaline-green that looks refreshing and intriguing in the garden all summer long. Very dark green foliage sets off the lively green of the blooms. Makes a fantastic cut flower, both fresh and dried, if you can bring yourself to remove them from the fabulous plant.

Awards
2022 Farwest Show Judge's Choice Award of Merit; Bronze medal, Plantarium 2024
USDA Zone
3 - 9 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3.5 - 5'
Width
3.5 - 5'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Green
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.

  • Grower Sheet: Invincibelle Sublime™ Hydrangea Grower Sheet

    • Features:

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea , Common name: Smooth Hydrangea , Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Green flowers, Green foliage

    Features:

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea , Common name: Smooth Hydrangea , Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Green flowers, Green foliage