Incrediball™ Blush Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens (hy-DRAN-jee-uh ar-bor-RES-senz)

Family: Hydrangeaceae Unknown Shrub (3-15 ft)

Incrediball™ Blush hydrangea is an easy-to-grow, woody, deciduous perennial shrub in the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). It is a cultivar in the Incrediball series, which was developed as a collaboration with Dr. Thomas G. Ranney of North Carolina State University and the Spring Meadow Nursery of Grand Haven, Michigan. ‘Incrediball Blush’ grows to a height and width of 4 to 5 feet, so individual plants should be planted 3 to 6 feet apart in locations that receive full sun or part shade. It grows best in moist clay soil that is high in organic matter and has good drainage. Because the plant blooms on new wood, late winter pruning will encourage vigorous new stem growth and good form. It is resistant to wildlife foraging and black walnut rot and can tolerate salty soil. This hydrangea has a long blooming season, producing large pink flower heads that progress from blush pink to deep pink and then age to an attractive chartreuse green in fall. It is a good flower for cutting as it has stiff stems with dark leaves. It is a wildlife food source as well as a wildlife larval host. It attracts bees, moths, butterflies, pollinators, and songbirds. Plant as a hedge, accent, or border plant in a cottage, cutting, rain, or shade garden. It also works well in a naturalized or woodland area. Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: It is susceptible to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spots, mold, rust, and powdery mildew. It may also be troubled by aphids, mites, scale, and nematodes. Ingesting large quantities of any part of the plant can result in gastrointestinal problems for humans and pets. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Hydrangea arborescens .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 66 attributes.