I’m always on the search for the newest and greatest garden shrubs, especially dwarf types that I can squeeze in between existing landscape plants. Last fall I ordered a dwarf smooth hydrangea, Invincibelle Wee White® hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). My garden is already home to several of the Incrediball® smooth hydrangeas, and I absolutely love them. They produce huge white heads early in the season which last a long time before they age to green and then dry to a light tan. Flower stems are strong, so there is no staking of flower heads to keep them off the ground. As long as shrubs are planted in well-drained soil of decent texture in mostly sun, they look good all season long. Last year, I watered the Incrediballs only three times. The only other care they required was a hard pruning in late winter. Here in upstate SC, my Incrediballs already have spring leaves. I hope we don’t receive a late freeze that will damage the tender new growth.
When I read that Wee White was a dwarf form of the Incrediball, I decided to trial one. I ordered a baby (4-inch container) and planted it at the top of a wall where there is well-drained soil with sun exposure from morning until mid-day. New growth is just peeking above the ground. Lately, though, I have read some less-favorable reviews saying that Wee was not too “wee” -- actually four feet or more at maturity and is commonly plagued with leaf spots. I don’t consider myself an exceptional gardener, but many other folks experience problems I just don’t have, so my hopes are high that Wee White will perform well for me.
The National Garden Bureau keeps me updated on new plants, and there is a 2025 introduction that takes my breath away. Hydrangea FlowerFull® Hydrangea arborescens, a First Editions® Shrubs & Trees from Bailey Nursery, is a show-stopper. It is a 2025 People’s Choice Green Thumb Award Winner. Shrubs mature at four feet, are loaded with flowers, need little maintenance, and are resistant to the leaf issues that plague other smooth hydrangeas. Click HERE if you want to read the full description from the National Garden Bureau info page. This one is definitely worth seeking.
Photo courtesy of the National Garden Bureau. #NGB