Last updated on September 5th, 2025 at 11:00 am
Have you ever think which big, pretty hydrangea plant you should get for your garden?
Maybe you see them in other people’s yard, with those giant white or pink balls of flowers, and you wonder, “Which one is better for me?”
Don’t worry anymore! Today we talk about two famous flowers, Incrediball vs. Annabelle Hydrangeas.
Both of these hydrangeas look kind of same at first.
They got round, fluffy blooms that make your garden shine. But when you look close, they have small differences that can change how they grow in your yard.
Some people like Incrediball because the flowers stay strong, and some like Annabelle because it got a softer, classic look.
We not gonna use hard plant words. You don’t need to know science names or tricky gardening talk. Just the easy stuff that matter most, like which one grows taller, which blooms last longer, and which one make your garden more wow.
Incrediball vs. Annabelle Hydrangeas
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Flower Characteristics
Both Annabelle and Incrediball hydrangeas produce large, ball-shaped clusters of white flowers that age to green. Annabelle is known for its “colossal” snowball blooms – up to about a foot across – of dozens of tiny white florets.
These rounded flower heads start out pure white (often with greenish buds) and eventually fade to tan by autumn. Incrediball’s flowers are similar in shape and color transition but even larger.
Incrediball is an “improved version of Annabelle” with extra-large blooms – often nearly the size of basketballs (about 12″ across) – on thick, sturdy stems.
In practice, many growers find Incrediball flower clusters 20–30% bigger than Annabelle’s on comparable plants.
Both hold their white color through much of summer before aging to lime-green (and finally tan), so they look virtually identical in color at any given stage.
In summary, both cultivars give the classic big white “snowball” blooms of smooth hydrangeas, but Incrediball’s flower heads tend to be noticeably larger on average.
Plant Size and Shape
Annabelle grows as a rounded, multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching about 3–5 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide at maturity. Its arching branches often bend under the weight of blooms.
Incrediball is similar in form but generally a bit more upright and sometimes taller: about 4–5 ft high and 4–5 ft wide. Incrediball’s branches are stiffer, so its overall silhouette stays more upright (reportedly 1–2 ft taller than Annabelle under the same conditions).
Leaf-wise, both have the same glossy, toothed green foliage of H. arborescens. Incrediball leaves are described as dark green and slightly more textured, whereas Annabelle’s tend to be a bit lighter and smoother.
Overall, Incrediball forms a very similar mounded habit but with slightly taller, sturdier stems; Annabelle often develops a looser, arching shape under heavy flower loads.
Hardiness Zones
Both cultivars are cold-hardy smooth hydrangeas. Annabelle is rated for USDA zones 3–8, meaning it tolerates winter lows down to around -30°F.
Incrediball is essentially as hardy, commonly listed for zones 3–8 (some sources even say up to zone 9).
In practice, both thrive in northern gardens and are reliably hardy in cold climates.
In short, they have the same broad hardiness range, so gardeners in colder zones can grow either variety with confidence.
Bloom Time and Duration
Both Annabelle and Incrediball bloom on new wood, so they flower on the current season’s growth.
Annabelle typically begins blooming in late spring/early summer (around June) and continues through mid-late summer (into August), sometimes with a brief autumn re-bloom.
Incrediball’s bloom period starts slightly later: flowers appear in mid-summer and persist into late summer or early fall. For example, one grower notes Annabelle’s bloom peaks in early summer, whereas Incrediball keeps flowering later into summer.
In practical terms, planting both together can extend the display – Annabelle peaks first and Incrediball follows to prolong the season.
Overall, both types flower for roughly 2–3 months (summer through early fall), but Incrediball often holds blooms a bit longer and later in the year.
Growth Habits
As smooth hydrangeas, both develop as multi-stemmed shrubs. Annabelle’s canes often arch outward under bloom weight, giving a rounded but somewhat floppy appearance.
Incrediball was bred for a more upright habit: its stems are thicker and remain straighter. Many sources note Incrediball “holds most of its stems proudly upright” in summer even after storms.
Incrediball may still droop on some lower branches, but overall it presents a neater, vertical form compared to Annabelle’s tendency to sag.
In terms of vigor and growth rate, both are fast-growers that quickly fill in a garden space. Incrediball may grow a bit taller under identical conditions.
Stem Strength
This is the key difference gardeners cite: Annabelle’s stems are relatively weak. Heavy, water-laden blooms often bend Annabelle branches to the ground – a common gripe.
Annabelle’s weakness “is at its worst after a summer rain storm, when the wind and water cause [stems] to bend over and not recover.” In practice, Annabelle often requires staking or tying up if rains are frequent.
By contrast, Incrediball was specifically selected for sturdiness. It combines even larger flowers with much stronger stems.
Incrediball stays much more upright: “bounced back to tall straight stems” after rain, whereas Annabelle remained droopy.
Incrediball holds up in wind and rain far better than Annabelle. Incrediball’s stems “don’t flop” under rain-soaked blooms.
In short, Annabelle flops easily with big blooms, while Incrediball is notably sturdier (though a few very large flower heads on lower stems might still nod).
Maintenance Requirements
Both hydrangeas are easy-care shrubs but have slightly different watering needs.
Annabelle is not drought-tolerant; it requires consistently moist soil.
When Annabelle dries out or is in intense sun, its leaves and flowers wilt quickly.
By contrast, once established, Incrediball is “surprisingly drought-tolerant.” (That said, Incrediball still blooms most profusely with adequate moisture.) Both benefit from rich, well-amended soil. They do best in soil high in organic matter and with good moisture retention.
A layer of mulch helps stabilize soil moisture. Nutritionally, a single balanced spring fertilizer (with higher phosphorus, not excessive nitrogen) is usually sufficient to promote blooms in either cultivar.
In short, neither plant is fussy: give them evenly moist, acidic soil and occasional feeding. The main difference is that Incrediball has better drought tolerance and requires less staking, making its upkeep slightly lower in rainy or hot conditions.
Pruning Guidelines
Annabelle and Incrediball have the same pruning needs since both bloom on new wood. Prune in late winter or very early spring before new buds break.
Many gardeners cut these hydrangeas back hard each year to encourage strong new growth.
For example, I recommend cutting Incrediball back by about one-third of its height when new growth begins.
I tink pruning both types to ~12–24 inches above ground in spring. Annabelle care guides note you can also cut plants to the ground in autumn or leave the spent blooms for winter interest and prune in late winter.
The effect is the same: remove old flowering branches to stimulate robust new stems. In practice, the two cultivars prune identically. After pruning, expect vigorous spring shoots that will bear that summer’s blooms.
Soil and Light Preferences
Both hydrangeas thrive in moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (around 5.5–6.5). Neither does well in waterlogged (soggy) soil.
They are adaptable to different soil textures (clay to sandy) as long as fertility and moisture are provided. Light-wise, both prefer partial sun conditions: morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
Annabelle “thrives best with plenty of morning sun and some afternoon shade”; Incrediball likewise does well in part sun, though in cooler climates it can handle full sun.
In northern regions Incrediball blooms in even full-day sun, but in hot southern gardens it needs afternoon shade to prevent wilting.
Thus, in warm climates plan to shelter either hydrangea from harsh afternoon rays and give them some shade by late afternoon. In deep shade, blooms may be reduced, so a bit of sun is beneficial.
Disease and Pest Resistance
Smooth hydrangeas are generally healthy and problem-free. Both Annabelle and Incrediball are rarely plagued by serious diseases. Occasional issues can include leaf spots or powdery mildew in very humid conditions.
In practice, good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering minimize those fungal problems. A more common pest on smooth hydrangeas is the leaf-tier moth caterpillar, which can cocoon leaves (mainly noted on Annabelle).
General garden hygiene (removing fallen debris) and Bt sprays (if needed) can control this.
Deer will browse hydrangeas occasionally, but smooth hydrangeas are less favored by deer than some other types. Overall, if kept properly watered and mulched, both Annabelle and Incrediball show excellent resistance to pests and diseases.
Use in Landscaping
Annabelle and Incrediball occupy much the same roles in the garden. Both make excellent borders or mass plantings, and both are prized for cut flowers.
Annabelle’s classic dome of blooms is popular as a foundation shrub, mixed border, or informal hedge. Incrediball, with its extra-large flower heads, also shines as a specimen or privacy screen.
For example, it is described as “perfect in the garden and stunning as a 5′ tall flowering hedge.”
Gardeners sometimes plant Annabelle in front of Incrediball in a bed to create a tiered effect: Annabelle flowers earlier in early summer, then Incrediball’s larger blooms follow later.
Both cultivars make dramatic fresh-cut bouquets or dried arrangements. In landscape design, use either as focal shrubs or lining a fence or pathway; their height (3–5 ft) and profuse white blooms provide strong seasonal impact.
Performance in Different Climates
Cold Climates
Both handle northern conditions superbly. Annabelle is famously hardy (to -30°F), and Incrediball matches it (surviving similar lows). In zone 3–4 gardens neither requires winter protection beyond mulch on roots.
Hot Climates
Neither is a true heat-loving plant. Both suffer if exposed to continuous high heat and dry sun. Spruce notes that Annabelle’s flowers “fade quickly in heat levels above 85°F” and that its foliage wilts in hot, dry spells.
Incrediball does better, as it can tolerate more sun if given water, and Spruce indicates it needs shade in the afternoons in warm zones. In our experience, both thrive best where summer temperatures are moderate or where afternoon shade is available.
Water
Annabelle needs consistent moisture to look its best; drooping is often a sign it is too dry. Incrediball is more forgiving of occasional drought once established, but it too flowers most when kept watered.
In short, for wet vs. dry: Incrediball has an edge in drought tolerance, while Annabelle must be watered regularly in dry climates.
Pros and Cons
Annabelle Hydrangea
Pros: A proven heirloom variety, Annabelle is ultra-hardy (zone 3–8), fast-growing, and produces reliably large white snowballs of flowers each year. It thrives in a variety of soils (from clay to sandy) and is generally low-maintenance.
It is excellent for brightening borders or forming a white-flowered hedge, and its round form has classic garden appeal.
Cons: Its stems are the weak link — heavy blooms often bend or flop, especially after rain, so staking or tying is often needed.
The flowers, while abundant, are on average slightly smaller than Incrediball’s. Also, Annabelle tends to bloom a bit earlier and may finish before fall, giving a shorter season of show.
Incrediball Hydrangea
Pros: Incrediball delivers all the strengths of Annabelle plus bigger blooms and much stronger stems. It has extra-large flower heads (up to 12″ or more) that carry on sturdier canes, so you get a bolder look with less drooping.
It still hits zone 3 hardiness and blooms heavily on new wood. Incrediball is highly reliable and also works well in landscapes, even as a tall hedge or specimen. Once established it tolerates occasional dry spells better than Annabelle.
Cons: Incrediball is patented and sometimes more expensive or less widely available. It can still show a little flopping on its lowest branches. Like Annabelle, it only blooms once per year (no rebloom).
Some gardeners note that Incrediball’s pure white may shift to chartreuse green by late summer (as daylength shortens) – a natural change but one that Annabelle’s blooms also do.
Overall, few downsides beyond the need for the same pruning and moisture as Annabelle.
Recommendations
If you want the largest white hydrangea blooms and strong stems that resist flopping, Incrediball is the better choice.
If you prefer a classic, time-tested variety or need the greatest cold tolerance (and don’t mind the occasional staking), Annabelle is ideal.
Many gardeners plant both together to enjoy the best of each: Annabelle’s full blooms early in summer, followed by Incrediball’s even larger globes into fall.
FAQS
Do Incrediball hydrangeas turn pink?
Yes, Incrediball hydrangeas can turn pink. The Incrediball Blush Smooth hydrangea, a variation of the Incrediball cultivar, produces beautiful silvery-pink blooms.
What is the easiest Hydrangea to grow?
One of the easiest hydrangeas to grow is the oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), which is why gardeners looking for a low-maintenance but eye-catching plant choose it so highly. This particular hydrangea type is well-known for its unusual oak-shaped leaves, which add a distinctive element to any garden setting. The unique qualities of the Oakleaf Hydrangea are its tenacity and versatility, since it thrives in USDA Zones 5 to 9 and can easily tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
What is the best fertilizer for Incrediball hydrangeas?
For feeding Incrediball hydrangeas, a rose fertilizer with a 15-10-10 or 10-5-5 formula is recommended. This type of fertilizer offers the essential nutrients needed for robust growth and abundant flowering. Opting for organic, slow-release fertilizers designed for roses can also be beneficial, promoting larger and more plentiful blooms without the risk of overfeeding.
What is the lowest maintenance hydrangea?
The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is widely recognized as one of the most straightforward hydrangeas to cultivate and upkeep.
Its defining feature lies in its distinct oak-shaped leaves, adding a unique touch to any garden setting.
Thriving in USDA Zones 5 to 9, this hydrangea exhibits remarkable resilience, tolerating diverse conditions encompassing both sunny and shaded areas.
Notably, it boasts a natural resistance to common diseases and pests, translating to minimal upkeep requirements for gardeners.
Its adaptability to varying light conditions further enhances its appeal, making it a versatile choice for gardens with differing levels of sunlight exposure.
