Invincibelle Limetta® Smooth hydrangea

The Invincibelle Limetta® Smooth Hydrangea, or Hydrangea arborescens, showcases an impressive array of attributes that make it a standout choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. This deciduous shrub falls into the medium height category, typically reaching a height and spread of 3 to 4 feet, creating a balanced and mounded presence in any garden space. The green foliage and blooms add a refreshing and vibrant touch, with the flower colors transitioning from lime green to soft green-white, and eventually to a jade green as the season progresses. The foliage maintains a consistent green shade, contributing to the lush appearance of the plant.

One of the defining characteristics of Invincibelle Limetta® is its robust habit. The shrub maintains a mounded shape, creating a full and lush appearance. It serves a versatile role in landscaping, fitting well as a border plant, container plant, or as a focal point in a garden. The blooms are held up on strong stems, preventing any unwanted drooping and ensuring a showy display throughout its blooming season.

• Prairie and Meadow Gardens: This grass is perfect for creating a naturalistic setting, resembling a wild prairie or meadow. Its fast growth and upright stature make it a dominant feature in such landscapes.
• Thematic Wild Gardens: For gardeners looking to create a theme with wild and natural vegetation, this grass serves as an excellent choice, bringing height, color, and texture to the setting.
• Modern Architectural Design: The grass can be planted in rows or grids to bring a modern, architectural feel to the garden. This structured planting style contrasts well with the grass’s airy plumes and vibrant color.
• Native Plant Landscapes: Being herbaceous and having a rapid growth rate, this grass fits well in native plant landscapes, adding authenticity and vibrancy.
• Xeriscape Compositions: This grass is suitable for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. Its ability to withstand extreme heat and perform well in containers makes it a resilient choice.
• Mass Planting for Visual Impact: When planted en masse, the grass creates a stunning visual effect, forming a sea of green foliage and red flowers that sway in the breeze.
• Border Planting: It can be used as a border plant, defining edges and creating clear demarcation in the garden.
• Container Gardening: This grass can thrive in containers, allowing it to be placed on patios, balconies, or other paved areas, bringing life and color to these spaces.
• Erosion Control: On slopes or areas prone to soil erosion, the grass’s root system helps to stabilize the soil, preventing erosion.
• Firescaping/Fire Wise Planting: In regions susceptible to wildfires, using this grass can be part of a fire-wise landscaping strategy, helping to create defensible space around structures.
• Coastal Exposure: The grass is tolerant of coastal conditions, making it a suitable choice for gardens near the sea.
• Wildlife Garden: By planting this grass, you provide habitat and attract wildlife to your garden, contributing to biodiversity.
• Near Water Gardens or Terraced Patios: The grass’s airy plumes and sway in the breeze create a graceful and calming effect, perfect for areas near water features or terraced patios.
• Companion Planting: This grass pairs well with plants like Bluebird, Raydon’s Favorite, Firework, and Standing Ovation, allowing for diverse and complementary plantings.

Planting Instructions:

1. Soil Preparation: Ensure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. You can improve the soil quality by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
2. Location: Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The grass performs best with at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
3. Spacing: Plant the grass 1.5-2 feet apart to allow adequate space for growth.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a cool root environment.

Care Information:

1. Watering: Once established, the grass requires occasional watering. Increase the frequency during periods of extreme heat or if the plant is situated in a container.
2. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth.
3. Pruning: Cut back the foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, leaving about 3-4 inches of stubble. This helps to maintain a tidy appearance and promotes vigorous growth.
4. Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases. Treat any issues promptly with appropriate measures.
5. Winter Care: In colder regions, the grass may benefit from additional mulch to protect the roots during winter.
6. Soil pH: The grass is adaptable to a variety of soil pH levels but performs best in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range.
7. Tolerance: This grass variety is known for its tolerance to drought, heat, and poor soil conditions once established.
8. Aeration: Occasionally aerate the soil around the plant to ensure good root health and water penetration.