Incrediball® Blush Smooth Hydrangea

The INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea, botanical name Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA4', is a proud member of the Proven Winners ColorChoice Flowering Shrubs brand. This plant is uniquely identified by its Patent and Certificate of Registration numbers, PP#28,280 and CBR#5624, marking its distinguished position among horticultural varieties. One of the most captivating attributes of this plant is its pink flower color, which presents a delightful visual display. Adding to its charm is the reblooming characteristic, where the plant continuously produces fresh flowers through the autumn season.

The strong stems of the INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea are a noteworthy feature, providing a robust support for the extra large blooms. These blooms are not just large, but bear a unique and appealing shade of silvery-pink which is sure to catch the eye.

The growth dynamics of this plant are equally appealing. It reaches a mature height and width of 4 to 5 feet, showcasing a deciduous growth habit. The blooming phase is a long-lasting spectacle, beginning in summer and extending into the fall, making it a garden favorite for an extended period. The foliage, colored a lush green, provides a beautiful backdrop for the pink blooms, creating a stunning contrast that enhances its aesthetic appeal. Suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8, the INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea showcases a remarkable resilience to cold temperatures, able to withstand lows of -40°F/-40°C. It's adaptable to varying sunlight exposure, thriving in both full sun to part sun conditions.

The INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea, with its captivating large silvery-pink blooms and robust growth, offers a myriad of landscaping uses which can significantly enhance the aesthetic and structural appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces. Here are some of the landscaping uses for this remarkable plant:

1. Focal Point Creation: With its large, appealing blooms, the INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea serves as a natural focal point in a garden setting. Its distinctive flower color and form can draw attention and create a visually pleasing center of interest.
2. Border Planting: Its mature size of 4 to 5 feet in both height and width makes it an excellent choice for border planting, where it can create a well-defined edge to garden beds or pathways.
3. Mixed Shrub Borders: The INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea can be combined with other shrubs to create mixed borders. Its unique silvery-pink blooms provide a beautiful contrast to shrubs with different flower colors and foliage types.
4. Foundation Planting: This hydrangea can be used near building foundations to soften the lines of the structure and add a splash of color. Its moderate size makes it suitable for such applications without overshadowing the architecture.
5. Cottage Gardens: The old-world charm of hydrangeas makes the INCREDIBALL® Blush a perfect fit for cottage-style gardens, adding a touch of romanticism with its delicate pink blooms.
6. Container Gardening: For those with limited space or those desiring mobility in garden design, the INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea can be grown in large containers. Its vibrant blooms make a dramatic statement in container gardens.
7. Cut Flower Gardens: The blooms of INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea are not only long-lasting on the plant, but also as cut flowers. They can be used to create elegant floral arrangements, fresh or dried.
8. Mass Planting: Planting these hydrangeas in masses can create a stunning visual impact, especially when in full bloom.
9. Wildlife Habitat: Hydrangeas can also serve as habitat for beneficial insects, providing nectar for pollinators during the blooming season.
10. Screening: Although not a tall shrub, when planted in a row or cluster, the INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea can provide a low screen or divider within a garden, delineating spaces while adding beauty.

Planting Instructions:

1. Planting Time: Spring or fall are the ideal times to plant hydrangeas.
2. Location: Select a location that receives full sun to partial sun. While this hydrangea can tolerate a range of light conditions, morning sun with afternoon shade is generally favorable.
3. Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. You can improve soil quality by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
4. Planting Hole: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2-3 times as wide.
5. Placement: Remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
6. Backfilling: Fill in the hole with soil, gently firming it around the root ball to eliminate air pockets.
7. Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.

Care Instructions:

1. Watering: Hydrangeas prefer consistently moist soil. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, more during hot or dry periods.
2. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
3. Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring. You can also use a fertilizer specially formulated for hydrangeas.
4. Pruning: Pruning is typically not necessary, but if desired, prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and size.
5. Winter Care: In colder regions, consider applying a thicker layer of mulch around the base of the plant for extra winter protection.
6. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Regularly check the plant for signs of pests or diseases. If detected, treat with appropriate remedies as soon as possible.
7. Support: Although INCREDIBALL® Blush hydrangea has strong stems, consider providing support if the plant is laden with large blooms to prevent any damage.