Hello friends! Today, I’ll explain the differences between the Incrediball Hydrangea and the Limelight Hydrangea.
QUICK ANSWER: The main difference between them is that the Limelight Hydrangea tolerates full sun better than the Incrediball Hydrangea. Additionally, the Limelight Hydrangea has cone-shaped inflorescences, whereas the Incrediball Hydrangea has spherical ones.
1. Sun Tolerance
Limelight tolerates planting in full sun better. It can handle direct sunlight throughout the day, even in hot climates. In contrast, Incrediball is not as tolerant of direct sun and needs at least a few hours of shade during the day.
For hot southern climates, Limelight is a better choice, while Incrediball is better suited for temperate climates. In any case, both hydrangeas need generous watering to prevent leaf wilting.
2. Inflorescences
Limelight belongs to the Hydrangea paniculata species, meaning its inflorescences are elongated and cone-shaped, reaching 8 inches across and over 12 inches in height.
Incrediball belongs to the Hydrangea arborescens species. Its inflorescences are flattened spheres, with flower heads reaching up to 12 inches across.
Both hydrangeas bloom beautifully, making it hard to judge which is better. However, Incrediball’s inflorescences have slightly more flowers and are denser than Limelight’s.
3. Blooming Time
Incrediball blooms earlier than Limelight. Incrediball typically blooms from June to July, while Limelight starts blooming in late summer and continues until mid-autumn.
After blooming, the flower heads remain on the bush until you remove them. This results in Limelight providing a longer blooming period than its competitor.
Both hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so you can prune them from late fall to early spring.
4. Color
At the beginning of blooming, Incrediball flowers are white with a light lime tint. After a few weeks, they turn pure white and stay that way until the end of the season.
Limelight flowers have a bright light-lime color and look very vibrant. They remain this color for most of the blooming period, turning white or even pink towards the end.
In general, Incrediball is a white hydrangea, while Limelight is lime-colored. Which color is more beautiful is up to you to decide.
5. Size
Limelight is larger than Incrediball. When mature, Limelight reaches 8 feet in height and width. In contrast, Incrediball usually grows to 5 feet in height and width. Both hydrangeas have a mound-like shape.
You should understand that Limelight needs more space in the garden. The distance between this hydrangea and others should be 9 feet. For Incrediball, this distance is almost half.
6. Hardiness
Limelight better tolerates hot climates. It can be grown from zones 3 to 9. Its leaves do not burn in direct sun, and the flowers do not brown.
Incrediball, on the other hand, is not as heat-tolerant. It is recommended for growing from zone 3 but not south of zone 8. Additionally, in the heat, it can have issues with leaf tips browning.
7. Requirements
Since Limelight is a larger hydrangea, it requires more generous watering than Incrediball. Ensure that the soil in the root zone does not dry out more than 2 inches. Pay special attention to your Limelight if it is growing in full sun.
Also, Limelight will need more fertilizer than Incrediball. However, always follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s recommendations.
🌺Ask me anything in the comments!🌺
Share This Post
