Hydrangea arborescens 'Incredaball'
Hydrangea arborescens 'Incrediball' is a robust smooth hydrangea known for its massive white flower heads that emerge lime green before maturing to bright white in early to midsummer. Its strong stems hold the oversized blooms upright, creating a bold and reliable presence in the landscape with long lasting seasonal interest.
Height & Spread: 4 - 5 ft x 4 - 5 ft
Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Average to moist well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Hydrangea arborescens, a species native to the eastern United States. While 'Incrediball' is a selected garden form, it retains the adaptability and landscape value of its native parent.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies including Swallowtails and Painted Ladies which visit the fertile florets for nectar during bloom.
Bees
- Supports native bees and bumblebees which forage among the inner fertile flowers for nectar and pollen.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 4 - 5 ft apart to allow full development of its rounded shrub form.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and mass plantings where its large blooms create a strong visual impact.
Companion Plants
- Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Provides upright structure that contrasts with the rounded flower heads.
- Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' (Ninebark) - Offers dark foliage that enhances the bright white blooms.
- Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro' (Daylily) - Adds low mounding texture and warm color beneath the shrub.
- Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium) - Brings a soft native ground layer with spring blooms and textured foliage.
- Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge) - Creates a fine textured groundcover that works well in part shade conditions.