If the day and night be such that you greet them with joy, and life emits a fragrance like flowers and sweet-scented herbs, is more elastic, more immortal – that is your success. All nature is your congratulation, and you have cause momentarily to bless yourself.
~Henry David Thoreau
There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.
~Franklin D Roosevelt
As we all know, life sometimes has a way of bringing us down. Some say those situations make us stronger; others say they make us weak. It is my belief what matters most is that in the end, we’re still standing!
Perhaps that was my huge attraction to the Incrediball™ hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’ ppaf). Any offspring of ‘Annabelle’ that doesn’t flop is on the top on my list! This exhilarating hardy hydrangea bestows colossal 12-inch blooms that open lime green, turn snowy white, and then gradually fade to different shades of pale green. Bravo Proven Winners®!
Big attraction: Unlike its parent, ‘Annabelle’, sturdy thick stems thwart flopping in blustery weather! This Midwest gardener can attest to it because I planted three Incrediball™ hydrangeas last year. Admittedly, I am hooked – line and sinker! I would never hesitate and would happily recommend this hydrangea to any of my clients.
The Incrediball™ is very adaptable and thrives best in rich, well-drained, moist soil. Plant this beauty in groupings/masses, create a stunning hedge, or add to a garden or perennial border – the options are endless!
Bonus: butterflies cannot resist them either!
Double bonus: The blooms make lovely fresh or dried flower arrangements. For a stunning display, I will adorn my holiday tree and trimmings with spent Incrediball™ blooms this season. (That’s another article!)
Maybe you will consider planting an Incrediball™ (or two, or three). The next time you feel down, gaze up at your Incrediball™ hydrangeas. If they can weather any storm, then so can we! Happy planting!
GROW IT:
Botanical name: Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’
Common name: Incrediball™ Hydrangea
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4 to 9
Bloom Time: Summer
Height: 4’ – 5’
Spread: 4’
Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable,
butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life.
And everyone deserves a little sunshine.
~Jeffrey Glassberg
May all your gardens grow!
