Incrediball® Hydrangea

Incrediball® Hydrangea shrubs are not considered deer-resistant, meaning that deer may browse on their tender leaves, stems, and flowers, especially when food is scarce. While Incrediball Hydrangeas are known for their impressive, large blooms and strong stems, these features don’t deter deer from nibbling on the plant. In regions with high deer populations, you may notice damage to the foliage or flowers, particularly in the early spring or late fall when natural food sources are limited. If you’re planting Incrediball Hydrangeas in an area prone to deer activity, some precautions may be necessary to protect your plants.

To protect your Incrediball Hydrangea from deer, you can apply deer repellents regularly or use physical barriers like fencing or netting. Additionally, consider planting deer-resistant companion plants, such as lavender or boxwood, near your hydrangeas to deter deer from venturing into that area of your garden. While Incrediball Hydrangeas are not deer-proof, with proper protection, you can still enjoy their stunning, oversized blooms without significant deer damage.

Yes, Incrediball® Hydrangea shrubs are derived from the Hydrangea arborescens species, which is native to North America. Specifically, Hydrangea arborescens, also known as smooth hydrangea, is commonly found in the eastern United States, growing naturally in woodland areas and along stream banks. The Incrediball Hydrangea is a cultivated variety of this native species, bred for its impressive, oversized white blooms and stronger stems. Because it is based on a native species, Incrediball Hydrangeas are well-suited to North American gardens, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, and offering an excellent option for gardeners looking to incorporate native plants into their landscapes.

By choosing Incrediball Hydrangea, you’re supporting a plant that is adapted to local climates and growing conditions. Native plants like the Incrediball Hydrangea typically require less maintenance once established, as they are accustomed to local soil, moisture, and weather patterns. Additionally, these hydrangeas can benefit local ecosystems by providing habitat and food sources for native wildlife such as pollinators. With its native origins and cultivated improvements, the Incrediball Hydrangea is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a hardy, show-stopping shrub that also aligns with sustainable gardening practices.

To plant a hedge of Incrediball® Hydrangea, start by selecting a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil. These hydrangeas thrive with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, but they benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates to protect their large blooms. Space each Incrediball Hydrangea about 4-6 feet apart, measuring from the center of one plant to the next, to allow room for their mature size, which typically reaches 4-5 feet tall and wide. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. After planting, water deeply to help the hydrangeas establish strong roots.

Once planted, maintaining a hedge of Incrediball Hydrangea requires regular watering, especially during the first growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of each plant to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. In hotter climates or during dry spells, increase watering to ensure the hydrangeas receive adequate moisture. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms throughout the season. With proper care, your Incrediball Hydrangea hedge will provide a stunning display of massive, white blooms from summer into fall.

Pruning is an important part of maintaining the shape and health of your Incrediball Hydrangea hedge. Because these hydrangeas bloom on new wood, prune them in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches, and cut back the remaining stems to about 12-18 inches from the ground to encourage strong growth and larger blooms. Regular pruning not only helps maintain the hedge’s shape but also supports vigorous blooming year after year. With proper planting, watering, and pruning, your Incrediball Hydrangea hedge will become a breathtaking focal point in your landscape.

Yes, Incrediball® Hydrangea shrubs can be successfully grown in pots, making them a great option for adding large, showy blooms to patios, decks, or small garden spaces. When planting in a container, choose a pot that is at least 18-24 inches wide and deep to allow room for the roots to grow and support the plant’s mature size, which can reach 4-5 feet tall and wide. Make sure the container has good drainage, as Incrediball Hydrangeas do not tolerate waterlogged soil. Use a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture but drains well, and place the container in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade.

To maintain a potted Incrediball Hydrangea, regular watering is essential, especially during the summer months when the soil in containers dries out more quickly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming. While Incrediball Hydrangeas in pots may require a bit more attention to watering and feeding, they will reward you with their massive, long-lasting white blooms, making them an eye-catching addition to your container garden.

The Incrediball® Hydrangea offers several ecological benefits that make it a valuable addition to sustainable gardens. As a cultivated variety of the native Hydrangea arborescens, it provides a habitat and food source for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The large, showy blooms of the Incrediball Hydrangea attract pollinators throughout the summer, supporting biodiversity and encouraging pollination in the surrounding landscape. This is especially important for maintaining healthy ecosystems, as many pollinators rely on flowering plants like hydrangeas for nectar and shelter.

In addition to supporting pollinators, Incrediball Hydrangea shrubs contribute to soil health and erosion control. Their deep root systems help stabilize the soil, making them a good choice for planting on slopes or in areas prone to erosion. By adding organic matter back into the soil as they shed leaves and blooms, these shrubs naturally enrich the surrounding earth, enhancing the quality of the soil over time. Furthermore, the Incrediball Hydrangea is a low-maintenance, long-lived plant that reduces the need for chemical inputs such as fertilizers or pesticides, promoting a healthier garden environment.

Nursery pot sizes are called gallon sizes. You’ll see one-gallon, two-gallon, etc. This can be misleading to gardeners as a one-gallon pot would lead you to believe that the pot would hold one gallon of milk. This is not the case. Gallon is just a term of reference leftover from the days of nurseries growing plants in metal containers.

• 1-gallon (#1) pot for example, can hold 3 quarts of soil yet they are still considered a 1-gallon pot.
• 2-gallon (#2) pot holds about 1.5 gallons of soil
• 3-gallon (#3) pot holds about 2.9 gallons of soil
• 5-gallon (#5) pot holds about 4.6 gallons of soil

What you actually should be concerned with is the dimensions of the pot rather than capacity because let’s face it the size of the hole you dig is dependent on the dimensions, not the capacity.

These are approximate measurements and dimensions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but all dimensions fall in the following specifications.

• 1 Gallon Pot - 6.5 to 7.5 inches wide by 7 to 8 inches deep
• 2 Gallon Pot - 8.5 to 9.5 inches wide by 8 to 9 inches deep
• 3 Gallon Pot - 10.5 to 11.5 inches wide by 9.5 to 10.5 inches deep
• 5 Gallon Pot - 12 to 13 inches wide by 11 to 12.5 inches deep

These are approximate measurements and they do vary from supplier to supplier.