Invincibelle Lace® Smooth hydrangea

Invincibelle Lace® Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens subsp. radiata) is characterized by its distinctive and graceful attributes, making it a standout choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. This medium-sized deciduous shrub reaches a height and spread of 4 to 5 feet, creating a mounded silhouette that adds structure and fullness to garden spaces. The plant's foliage is a vibrant green, providing a lush backdrop for its exquisite flowers.

The hydrangea's blooms are a captivating pink shade, arranged in lacecap formations that add a delicate yet striking visual appeal. These flowers are not just beautiful to look at—they also play a vital role in supporting local wildlife, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. With its native roots in North America, Invincibelle Lace® integrates seamlessly into a variety of garden styles, particularly suiting informal and naturalistic settings.

The Invincibelle Lace® Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens subsp. radiata) is a versatile shrub that offers numerous landscaping uses, enhancing gardens with its distinctive appearance and benefits for local wildlife.

1. Border Plantings: This hydrangea works exceptionally well in border plantings, where its mounded habit and lush foliage create a full and vibrant edge along walkways, fences, or garden beds. The striking plum-purple flowers add a splash of color, creating a visually appealing border.
2. Mass Plantings: For a dramatic effect, Invincibelle Lace® can be planted in masses, creating a sea of pink blooms that draws the eye and adds impact to larger garden spaces. This approach also enhances its ability to attract and support pollinators.
3. Specimen or Focal Point: With its unique coloration and graceful form, this hydrangea serves as a stunning specimen or focal point in the garden. Planting it in a prominent location ensures that its beauty is on full display, captivating visitors and enhancing the overall garden design.
4. Informal Gardens: Invincibelle Lace® is well-suited for informal and cottage-style gardens, where its loose habit and naturalistic appearance can shine. It blends seamlessly with other perennials and shrubs, contributing to a relaxed and inviting garden atmosphere.
5. Wildlife Gardens: Due to its attraction to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, this hydrangea is an excellent choice for wildlife or pollinator gardens. It provides crucial support to local ecosystems, ensuring a vibrant and biodiverse garden space.
6. Cut Flower Gardens: The blooms of Invincibelle Lace® make excellent cut flowers, allowing gardeners to bring its unique beauty indoors. Planting it in a cut flower garden ensures a steady supply of fresh blooms throughout the summer.
7. Container Gardening: While it can reach a substantial size, this hydrangea can also be grown in larger containers, making it a versatile choice for patios, balconies, or smaller garden spaces.
8. Shade Gardens: As it can thrive in part sun conditions, Invincibelle Lace® is suitable for planting in shade gardens, where it adds color and interest even in lower light conditions.
9. Foundation Plantings: This hydrangea can be used in foundation plantings, where it helps to soften the hard lines of buildings and creates a lush and welcoming entrance to homes or businesses.
10. Themed Gardens: Invincibelle Lace® can be incorporated into various themed gardens, such as cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, or even formal gardens where its unique appearance can add an unexpected and captivating element.

Planting and caring for Invincibelle Lace® Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens subsp. radiata) requires attention to its specific needs to ensure a healthy and thriving plant. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you plant and care for this beautiful shrub:

Planting Instructions:

1. Site Selection: Choose a location that receives part sun to full sun (4-6 hours of sunlight per day). While it can tolerate full sun, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
2. Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. You can improve the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
3. Spacing: Plant shrubs 4-5 feet apart to give them enough space to grow and spread.
4. Planting Depth: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Set the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in around the root ball with soil and press firmly.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.

Care Instructions:

1. Watering: Water regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil. Reduce watering frequency once the plant is established, but ensure it receives enough water, particularly in extreme heat.
2. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of shredded bark mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots.
3. Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
4. Pruning: Prune in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge on the stems. Remove any dead wood and cut the entire plant back by about one-third of its total height to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
5. Deadheading: While deadheading is not necessary for this variety, you may choose to remove spent flowers to improve the plant’s appearance.
6. Protecting: In colder climates (zones 3-4), consider providing winter protection by covering the plant with burlap or mulch to protect it from harsh winter conditions.
7. Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if they appear. Common issues include aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
8. Winter Care: This hydrangea is hardy in zones 3-8, but providing additional mulch around the base of the plant can help protect it from extreme winter temperatures.