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Species photo — your cultivar may vary
© Hedwig Storch, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Hydrangea, Genus, arborescens, Species, 'Incrediball', Cultivar,
- Genus & species
- Cultivar
Incrediball Smooth Hydrangea
Overview
Hydrangea arborescens 'Incrediball' is a smooth hydrangea, growing 48–60 inches (120–150 cm) tall and wide. Round white flower clusters up to 12 inches (30 cm) across — large globular heads composed entirely of sterile florets. H. arborescens is native to eastern North America. 'Incrediball' has stronger stems than the older cultivar H. arborescens 'Annabelle', which is known for stems that bend to the ground under the weight of large flower heads after rain. Flower color opens lime-green, matures to white, and ages back to green — the color progression is age-dependent and not affected by soil pH (unlike H. macrophylla). Blooms on new (current-season) wood — cut to the ground in late winter without risk of removing flower buds. The plant regrows to full height and blooms within a single season from ground-level pruning. Zone 3 hardy (−40°F / −40°C). Mildly toxic if ingested (cyanogenic glycosides in leaves). Partial shade to full sun — wilts in full sun without consistent moisture. Consistent moisture required — wilts rapidly in dry conditions. Dried flower heads persist into winter and fade to tan. Deciduous. Zones 3–8. Japanese beetles feed on foliage. Well-draining but moisture-retentive soil. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
The species H. arborescens is native to eastern North America, from New York to Florida to Missouri. Found in moist woodlands, stream banks, and rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Grown in borders, foundation plantings, and mass plantings in zones 3–8, spaced 48–60 inches (120–150 cm) apart. Partial shade to full sun with consistent moisture. Native. Mildly toxic foliage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 5'
Width/Spread4' - 5'
Bloom Information
Summer (June–September), 6–8 weeks. Round white clusters up to 12 inches (30 cm). Opens lime-green, matures to white, ages to green. Color is age-dependent, not pH-dependent. Blooms on current-season wood.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lime-green opening to white, aging back to greenFoliage Description
Medium green, ovate, serratedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to full sun — consistent moisture required (wilts in dry conditions). Cut to ground in late winter — blooms on new wood and regrows to full height in one season. Native to eastern North America. Mildly toxic foliage (cyanogenic glycosides). Japanese beetles. Zone 3 hardy. Zones 3–8.Pruning
Cut all stems to the ground in late winter. The plant regrows to full height and blooms within a single season on new wood. No other pruning needed.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
winter
