Troubleshooting
Smooth Hydrangea 'Incrediball' problems — and how to fix them
Smooth Hydrangea 'Incrediball' (Hydrangea arborescens 'Abetwo') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Flopping heads (less than older types)
Bred for stronger stems than 'Annabelle' but the huge heads can still bend in heavy rain; cut back to about 15-25 cm in early spring to build a sturdy framework.
Wilting in sun and drought
Big soft leaves and flowers wilt fast when dry; site with afternoon shade, mulch and water deeply during heat.
Weak stems from over-shade or over-feeding
Too little light or excess nitrogen gives lax stems; grow in part to full sun and feed lightly.
Late frost damage to new shoots
Blooms on new wood so it recovers, but a hard late frost can nip early growth; it will reflush and still flower that summer.
Prevent smooth hydrangea 'incrediball' problems before they start
Most smooth hydrangea 'incrediball' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Smooth Hydrangea 'Incrediball' watering schedule
- Smooth Hydrangea 'Incrediball' light requirements
- Best soil mix for smooth hydrangea 'incrediball'
- Smooth Hydrangea 'Incrediball' temperature & humidity
- Full smooth hydrangea 'incrediball' care guide
Looking for smooth hydrangea 'incrediball' in general rather than its problems? Read the full smooth hydrangea 'incrediball' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Smooth Hydrangea 'Incrediball' problems — FAQ
Why is my smooth hydrangea 'incrediball' flopping heads (less than older types)?
Bred for stronger stems than 'Annabelle' but the huge heads can still bend in heavy rain; cut back to about 15-25 cm in early spring to build a sturdy framework.
Why is my smooth hydrangea 'incrediball' wilting in sun and drought?
Big soft leaves and flowers wilt fast when dry; site with afternoon shade, mulch and water deeply during heat.
Why is my smooth hydrangea 'incrediball' weak stems from over-shade or over-feeding?
Too little light or excess nitrogen gives lax stems; grow in part to full sun and feed lightly.
Why is my smooth hydrangea 'incrediball' late frost damage to new shoots?
Blooms on new wood so it recovers, but a hard late frost can nip early growth; it will reflush and still flower that summer.