As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had personal experience with Incrediball hydrangeas and can provide you with a detailed answer to your question. In short, yes, you can keep Incrediball hydrangeas small through proper pruning and maintenance techniques.
1. Regular Pruning: One way to control the size of Incrediball hydrangeas is through regular pruning. This should be done during late winter or early spring while the plant is still dormant. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. This will not only improve the overall appearance of the plant but also encourage healthy growth.
2. Size Control: If you want to keep your Incrediball hydrangeas small, you can also selectively prune certain branches to reduce height and width. Identify the branches that are growing too vigorously or extending beyond the desired size. Cut these branches back to a desired length, just above a healthy bud or node. By doing so, you can maintain a more compact and manageable size for your hydrangeas.
3. Renewal Pruning: Another technique to keep Incrediball hydrangeas small is through renewal pruning. This involves removing one-third of the oldest stems near the base of the plant every year. By doing so, you stimulate new growth and keep the plant rejuvenated. However, it’s important to note that renewal pruning should be done selectively and not all at once to avoid stressing the plant.
4. Regular Maintenance: In addition to pruning, regular maintenance is essential for keeping Incrediball hydrangeas small. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, and mulching. Adequate moisture and nutrients will promote healthy growth without excessive vigour. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth, further aiding in size control.
5. Consider Container Planting: If you have limited space or want even more control over the size of your Incrediball hydrangeas, you can consider planting them in containers. This allows you to easily move and manage the plants, ensuring they stay within the desired size range. Choose a large enough container with good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix specific for hydrangeas.
6. Monitor and Adjust: Keeping Incrediball hydrangeas small requires regular monitoring and adjustment. Observe the growth pattern of your plants and make necessary pruning decisions accordingly. It’s important to strike a balance between maintaining their size and ensuring they have enough healthy growth to produce abundant blooms.
While Incrediball hydrangeas can be kept small through proper pruning and maintenance techniques, it’s important to remember that each plant is unique. It may take some trial and error to find the right balance between size control and healthy growth. Regular monitoring, adjustment, and care will help you achieve the desired size for your Incrediball hydrangeas.
