Hydrangea Incrediball: The Complete Growing Guide for Giant Blooms

Introduction

Hydrangeas are already beloved for their bold, long-lasting flowers, but few varieties make an impression quite like the Hydrangea Incrediball. With enormous, globe-shaped blooms that can reach up to 30cm across, this improved form of Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ is prized for its dramatic impact and reliable performance.

Unlike the original ‘Annabelle’, which often suffered from floppy stems, the Incrediball hydrangea boasts much stronger, sturdier growth that holds up its giant blooms with ease. This makes it a favourite among UK gardeners looking for both spectacle and low-maintenance care.

Why Hydrangea Incrediball is So Popular

• Huge blooms: Some of the largest hydrangea flowers in the world.
• Improved strength: Thick stems prevent flopping.
• Low maintenance: Hardy, easy to grow, and forgiving.
• Season-long interest: Summer flowers, autumn structure.
• Cut flower favourite: Long-lasting, both fresh and dried.

Key Features of Hydrangea Incrediball

• Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
• Height & spread: 1.2–1.5m tall and wide
• Flowers: Large, creamy-white balls, ageing to green and beige
• Foliage: Bold green leaves, turning yellow in autumn
• Blooming season: July–September
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK (down to -20°C)

Best Growing Conditions

Soil

• Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Neutral to slightly acidic preferred
• Enrich with organic compost each spring

Position

• Full sun to partial shade
• Minimum of 4–6 hours of sunlight per day for the best flower display

Watering

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells
• Mulch annually to help soil retain moisture

How to Plant Hydrangea Incrediball

1. Choose a location – sheltered from strong winds, with space for the plant to spread.
2. Prepare the soil – dig in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
3. Planting depth – plant at the same level as it was in the nursery pot.
4. Water well – soak the rootball thoroughly after planting.
5. Mulch – apply bark or compost mulch to conserve soil moisture.

Feeding Hydrangea Incrediball

• Spring: Use a balanced slow-release fertiliser to promote growth.
• Summer: Apply a high-potassium feed (like tomato fertiliser) for strong flower heads.
• Autumn/Winter: Stop feeding—let the plant rest.

Pruning Hydrangea Incrediball

Unlike mophead hydrangeas, Incrediball flowers on new wood (this year’s growth).

• When to prune: Early spring (March).
• How to prune: Cut all stems back to 20–30cm above ground level.
• Why prune: Encourages fresh shoots and prevents plants from becoming leggy.

Companion Planting Ideas

Hydrangea Incrediball looks spectacular when paired with:

• Hostas – contrasting foliage.
• Ferns – soft texture to complement large blooms.
• Japanese anemones – late summer flowers.
• Grasses – add movement and structure.

Seasonal Interest

• Spring: Fresh green leaves emerge.
• Summer: Giant, creamy-white flower balls dominate the display.
• Autumn: Blooms age to green/bronze, foliage turns yellow.
• Winter: Sturdy stems and dried blooms provide structure.

Common Problems & Solutions

• Flopping blooms: Rare, but can occur in very wet soil. Improve drainage and prune properly.
• Leaf scorch: Happens in strong sun with dry soil. Ensure consistent watering.
• Yellowing leaves: Often due to nutrient deficiency—apply balanced feed.
• Powdery mildew: Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.

Using Hydrangea Incrediball in the Garden

• Borders: Plant as a statement shrub.
• Mixed planting: Combine with ferns, grasses, and shade-loving perennials.
• Hedges: Plant in a row for a dramatic flowering hedge.
• Containers: Grows well in large pots with rich compost.
• Cut flowers: Harvest blooms for fresh vases or dry for arrangements.

Conclusion

The Hydrangea Incrediball is a modern classic that deserves a place in every garden. With its enormous flower heads, strong stems, and reliable performance, it provides a spectacular summer display with very little effort.

Whether you grow it in borders, containers, or as part of a mixed planting scheme, Incrediball will reward you with months of colour and years of reliable beauty.

Top 10 Questions About Hydrangea Incrediball

1. How tall does Hydrangea Incrediball grow?
Around 1.2–1.5m tall and wide.

2. When does it flower?
From July to September in the UK.

3. Do you cut back Hydrangea Incrediball?
Yes, prune in early spring to 20–30cm above the ground.

4. Does it flop like Annabelle?
No, it has much stronger stems that hold blooms upright.

5. What soil is best?
Moist, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost.

6. Can I grow Incrediball in pots?
Yes, in a large container with regular feeding and watering.

7. Is Hydrangea Incrediball hardy?
Yes, fully hardy in the UK down to -20°C.

8. How big are the flowers?
They can reach up to 30cm (12 inches) across.

9. Does it need full sun?
It grows in sun or part shade but performs best with at least 4–6 hours of light.

10. Can I use Incrediball as cut flowers?
Yes, the giant blooms last well in vases and dry beautifully.