{"product_id":"invincibelle-ruby-hydrangea","title":"Invincibelle Ruby Hydrangea","description":"\u003ch1\u003eRuby-Red Buds and Silvery-Pink Blooms on a Tough Smooth Hydrangea\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvincibelle Ruby (Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA3') opens deep ruby-red buds into rich two-tone mopheads of silvery pink and ruby — a bold color rare among hardy hydrangeas. As a smooth hydrangea it blooms on new wood and is reliably hardy across Minnesota, flowering every year even after a hard winter, and it takes more shade than panicle types. Whether you're filling a part-shade border in Edina, lining a foundation in Woodbury, or cutting bold blooms in Maple Grove — Invincibelle Ruby is a dependable, colorful performer for zone 4b–5a yards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eInvincibelle Ruby Hydrangea Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mce-item-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHydrangea arborescens 'NCHA3'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmooth Hydrangea, Invincibelle Ruby Hydrangea\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–4 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–4 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast — upright, well-branched\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade. Takes more shade than panicle hydrangeas; afternoon shade is welcome in MN.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to high. Prefers consistent moisture; wilts in heat if dry.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — fully hardy and reliable here\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdaptable — tolerates Minnesota clay-loam and most soils; prefers moist, well-draining ground.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — green leaves drop in fall; dried flower heads persist for winter interest.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -40°F. Blooms every year on new wood — as foolproof as panicle hydrangeas in MN.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot deer-resistant — protect from browsing in high-pressure areas.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRuby-red buds opening to silvery-pink and ruby mopheads, early summer into fall, on new wood.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eInvincibelle Ruby Hydrangea Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart-shade borders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmooth hydrangeas take real part shade, so Invincibelle Ruby works in a shaded border or under high tree canopy in Edina or Minnetonka where its rich color brightens the shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColor and cut flowers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ruby-and-silver two-tone is a standout fresh in a vase and adds bold color to a mixed planting all season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLow hedges and groupings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted 3–4 feet apart, it forms a colorful flowering hedge that rebounds fast each spring on new wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Invincibelle Ruby Hydrangea in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window. Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpring (late April–May, after the ground thaws) is the second-best window, giving the shrub a full season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Invincibelle Ruby Hydrangea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep — 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart shade is fine — morning sun with afternoon shade keeps the blooms fresh in summer heat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed with 20–30% compost; firm gently and water in well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 3–4 feet apart for a hedge; give specimens room to reach full width.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild a 3–4 inch water basin; flatten it before winter to avoid ice damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch 2–3 inches with shredded bark, kept off the stems. Cut back by about half in early spring — it blooms on new wood and benefits from a spring cut for sturdy stems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Invincibelle Ruby Hydrangea in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 2–3 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 3–5 days; don't let it dry out in summer heat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished plants need deep watering during dry spells and summer heat. Smooth hydrangeas appreciate steady moisture for the best bloom. Let natural rainfall do the rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDrip Irrigation in Minnesota\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf used, place emitters 12–18 inches from the crown and keep the root zone evenly moist. Always winterize the system — blow out the lines before freeze and shut timers off by early October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Invincibelle Ruby survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasily — smooth hydrangeas are hardy to zone 3 and bloom on new wood, so they flower reliably every year in the Twin Cities, even after a hard winter. No protection needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it grow in shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — smooth hydrangeas take more shade than panicles, performing well in part shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I prune it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut it back by about half in early spring before growth starts. It blooms on new wood, and a spring cut encourages sturdier stems and big blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the color change?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ruby-red buds open to silvery pink and ruby; color is richest in good light and stays consistent regardless of soil pH (unlike bigleaf types).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvincibelle Mini Mauvette — a compact mauve-pink smooth hydrangea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncrediball Hydrangea — a smooth hydrangea with huge white blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShop the full Three Timbers Minnesota catalog — zone 4-hardy plants hand-selected for Twin Cities yards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Invincibelle Ruby Hydrangea Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a colorful low hedge, space Invincibelle Ruby 3 feet apart, center to center — at its 3–4 foot mature width the plants knit into a continuous ruby-and-pink band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHedge Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed (3 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13–14 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a mixed border, plant a drift of 3 in a triangle at 3-foot spacing; a single plant fills a 4-foot pocket beside a walk or foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eInvincibelle Ruby Hydrangea Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut the whole plant back by about half in early spring — it blooms on new wood, so this builds sturdier stems and bigger flowers. Fresh green shoots regrow fast through May.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep ruby-red buds open into two-tone silvery-pink and ruby mopheads from early summer onward, with rebloom continuing into fall. Color stays consistent regardless of soil pH and is richest with morning sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blooms age gracefully as the green foliage drops; flowering often continues until hard frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dried flower heads persist on the stems for soft winter texture. Hardy to -40°F with no protection needed — next year's blooms are never at risk because they form on new growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Shade-Tolerant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/invincibelle-mini-mauvette-hydrangea\"\u003eInvincibelle Mini Mauvette Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e — a compact mauve-pink companion that echoes Ruby's tones one step shorter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/incrediball-hydrangea\"\u003eIncrediball Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e — huge white globes behind Ruby's pink make a classic two-row smooth-hydrangea border.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/invincibelle-wee-white-hydrangea\"\u003eInvincibelle Wee White Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e — a knee-high white edging layer in front of Ruby.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/invincibelle-limetta-hydrangea\"\u003eInvincibelle Limetta Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e — lime-green blooms that cool down Ruby's warm color in a mixed drift.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Invincibelle Ruby Hydrangea Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvincibelle Ruby thrives in morning sun with afternoon shade and adaptable, consistently moist soil — it takes more shade than panicle hydrangeas and blooms every year regardless of winter, making it one of the surest sources of red-pink hydrangea color in a Twin Cities yard. It's not a fit if the spot is hot, dry, and unirrigated, or if deer browse freely — it wilts without steady moisture and is not deer-resistant.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54312862220593,"sku":null,"price":41.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/invincibelle-ruby-hydrangea.jpg?v=1779596782","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/invincibelle-ruby-hydrangea","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}