Incrediball® Hydrangea

Planting Instructions for Incrediball Hydrangea

1. Choosing the Right Location: Plant Incrediball Hydrangea in USDA zones 3 through 8 in full sun to part shade. In cooler climates it handles full sun well with steady moisture, while in hot regions afternoon shade helps prevent wilting. Plenty of light produces the strongest stems and the most blooms. Allow for a mature size of 4 to 5 feet tall and wide.
2. Soil Preparation: Give it moist, well-draining soil enriched with compost. Smooth hydrangeas appreciate organic matter, which holds moisture through summer. Its white flowers do not change color with soil pH, so there is no need to adjust acidity.
3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, setting the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. For borders and mass plantings, space plants about 4 to 5 feet apart so each can form a full, rounded mound.
4. Mulching and First Watering: Water deeply right after planting. Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone to retain moisture and keep roots cool, keeping it a few inches away from the stems.

Care Instructions

1. Watering: Water deeply and regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist, especially during the first year and in hot weather. Hydrangeas wilt when dry, so check the soil often in summer and water at the base rather than overhead.
2. Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer, following label rates. A single spring feeding is usually enough, and heavy feeding can produce soft growth instead of strong stems.
3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Incrediball is a sturdy, low-maintenance shrub. Check occasionally for aphids on new shoots and for leaf spot or powdery mildew in humid weather. Good spacing for airflow and watering at soil level help keep the leaves clean.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

1. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It blooms on new wood, so spring pruning will not sacrifice flowers. Many gardeners cut stems back to about 12 to 18 inches, which encourages strong new stems and plenty of blooms.
2. Winter Care: Incrediball thrives even in very cold climates. Because it blooms on new wood, harsh winters will not ruin next year's flowers. Leave dried flower heads on the plant for winter interest and cut them off during spring pruning.
3. Growing in Containers: Big blooms and strong stems make it a standout in large patio pots. Use a container with drainage holes and rich potting mix, and water frequently, since container hydrangeas dry out quickly.

Additional Tips for Growing Incrediball Hydrangea

1. No-Flop Blooms: Its extra-strong, thick stems hold the roughly 12 inch flowers upright, even after summer storms, so no staking is needed. The blooms open bright white in midsummer and soften to jade green into fall.
2. Cut and Dried Flowers: Cut fresh blooms for indoor bouquets, or let flowers reach their jade-green stage and then dry them for long-lasting arrangements.
3. Pet Safety: Hydrangeas, including Incrediball, are considered toxic to dogs and cats if eaten, and chewing the leaves or flowers can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Plant it where pets will not graze, and contact your veterinarian if you suspect ingestion.