Invincibelle® Ruby Smooth Hydrangea

Invincibelle Ruby smooth hydrangea is truly a gem of a plant - you'll see that the moment you see its first bloom in summer. The tops of the petals are pink, and the lower surfaces a deep red-pink, a combination that brings to mind the exact tones of this precious gemstone. It's quite a heavy bloomer, so you'll have plenty of beautiful fresh flowers to enjoy and ponder whether the florets are more red or pink. You'll also find very strong stems, which keep the flowers upright, and dark green foliage for a dash of extra good looks.  What makes Invincibelle Ruby different from other smooth hydrangeas? Unique ruby-red flower color Strong stems prevent flopping Details: Name: Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA3' pp#28,317, cbr#5623 Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8 Height + width: 2.5-4'  Light: Full to part sun Soil: Any well-drained soil will do. Though dry conditions are unlikely to harm an established plant, prolonged drought will severely limit floral life. Pruning: Blooms on new wood; prune back by one-third in late winter/early spring for better habit and a slight improvement in stem strength. Water: Average water needs. Does not tolerate wet conditions. Fertilizer: Fertilize once in early spring with a rose fertilizer if desired. Bloom time: Summer Bloom color: Upper petal surface is pink, lower petal surface is red-pink, and the overall effect is indeed quite similar to a ruby gemstone. Uses: If you are after a colorful flowering hedge that's super reliable and easy to care for, Invincibelle Ruby would be perfect. It's also very nice in beds, borders, and flower gardens, as well as planted in multiples to bring color, form, and lushness to home landscapes.