Hydrangea arborescens Invincibelle® Group

The Invincibelle® Group of shrubs are hybrids of the the smooth hydrangea and were developed by Dr. Tom Ranney of North Carolina State University’s Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station. They reliably bloom on new wood and grow 3 to 4 feet tall and wide except for Wee White®.

These shrubs will do best in moist well-drained soil high in organic matter. In cooler summer areas, full sun will result in more compact plants with heavier blooms. However, in warmer climates, afternoon shade is recommended. Plants should be mulched 2 to 3 inches deep to retain moisture in summer and to protect shallow roots in winter. They are not pH-dependent for color. 

This group of hydrangea flowers comes in various colors and blooms with 8 to 12-inch mopheads held on strong stems and most are strong rebloomers, producing gorgeous blossoms from summer into fall. See the list of cultivars available in this group. 

They can be used as a low hedge or specimen, in a mixed border, or as a foundation planting. They attract bees, moths, songbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, so site them in a cutting, cottage, or pollinator garden. 

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. Ingestion in 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.