Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Ncha7' INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE)

Overview

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE introduces a miniature footprint to the reliable Smooth hydrangea lineup, making it ideal for smaller gardens or defined borders. This cultivar delivers continuous color, featuring distinctive dark mauve-pink sterile florets held in attractive dome-shaped mop-head inflorescences expanding up to 5.5 inches wide. As a compact selection, it retains the robust nature of its species while offering manageable dimensions perfect for structure without overwhelming the space.

This low-maintenance shrub shines by blooming profusely from early summer well into autumn, provided it receives consistent moisture. While native to eastern North America, this specific cultivar thrives across a broad range of climates, from USDA Zone 3 through Zone 9. Gardeners cherish the Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE for its ability to refresh mixed borders and function efficiently in wetter landscape areas like rain gardens.

Whether used as a specimen or repeated throughout a landscape design, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE provides reliable, vibrant early summer texture. Its adaptation to various soil types, combined with its low cultural demands outside of consistent moisture, secures its place as a staple powerhouse in modern landscape planning.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Hydrangeaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-3 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: Mauve-pink
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting the Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE is best achieved in spring or fall in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. While it prefers part shade, this cultivar can tolerate more sun if provided with consistent watering, which is crucial as it is intolerant of drought and its foliage declines rapidly in dry conditions. It adapts well to a variety of soil textures, even heavy clay.

Watering needs are medium, requiring consistent moisture, especially during establishment and hot summer periods. Avoid letting the plant experience prolonged dryness. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is moderately rich, but if growth seems stunted, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning is straightforward because bloom occurs reliably on new wood. For revitalization or to encourage the most vigorous stems and best form, prune Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE back close to the ground in late winter. If you opt not to hard prune, simply remove any obviously weakened or damaged stems in early spring. Plants may occasionally die back to the ground during exceptionally harsh winters, but routine pruning ensures excellent spring regrowth.

Landscape Uses

The compact stature of the Smooth hydrangea makes ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE an exceptional choice for incorporating deep color without taking up excessive space. It excels when massed or grouped in partially shaded beds, creating a wonderful continuous sweep of color along woodland edges or near structures where afternoon shade is present. Its use as a Rain Garden staple capitalizes on its tolerance for wet soil conditions.

Consider using this cultivar as a vibrant foreground element in a traditional mixed shrub border, allowing taller, later-blooming shrubs to emerge behind it. For a more naturalized look, plant near ferns or native woodland perennials that share similar moisture and light preferences. Because the blooms are “Good Dried,” incorporating them into perennial plantings ensures textural interest even after the main summer growing season concludes.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut
• Good Dried

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hydrangea arborescens, commonly known as smooth hydrangea or wild hydrangea, is a loosely and widely branched deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3-6’ (less frequently to 10’) tall. It is native to moist or rocky wooded slopes, ravines, streambanks and bluff bases from New York to Florida west to Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Gray-brown stems are clad with opposite, broad egg-shaped to rounded, sharply toothed, dark green leaves (2-6” long) with pale green undersides. Tiny white fertile flowers bloom in May-July in flattened hairy clusters (corymbs to 2-6”across). The genus name Hydrangea comes from hydor meaning “water” and aggeion meaning “vessel,” in reference to the cup-like capsular fruit. ‘Ncha7’ is a compact selection of smooth hydrangea that features dark mauve-pink sterile florets. Mature plants will reach up 3’ tall and spread to fill a similar area, commonly sold in nurseries and garden centers under the name INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Erosion
• Clay Soil
• Dry Soil
• Wet Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

While Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE is generally hardy, many species of Hydrangea are susceptible to common fungal issues, including bud blight, leaf spots, rust, and powdery mildew, particularly in humid or overcrowded conditions. Watch for common sap-sucking pests like aphids, mites, and scale insects.

To maintain vigor and minimize disease, consistent late-winter pruning—cutting stems back near the ground—is highly recommended. This practice encourages strong, new growth that resists some diseases better than old, woody stems. Applying dormant oil before spring bud break, or treating infections early with appropriate fungicides, can manage outbreaks. Fortunately, rabbits tend to avoid this particular smooth hydrangea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Smooth hydrangea suitable for?

This resilient plant is well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.

How large does Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE grow?

Mature plants typically reach a manageable height between 2 to 3 feet tall, spreading to a similar width of 2 to 3 feet.

When does Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE bloom?

The showy mauve-pink blooms appear consistently beginning in June and continue flowering throughout September.

What sun exposure does Smooth hydrangea need?

This variety performs best in part shade, though it can tolerate full sun if provided with adequate and consistent moisture throughout the growing season.

Conclusion

The Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE offers an invaluable, low-maintenance solution for reliable summer color in compact spaces. With its distinctive mauve-pink mop-heads and impressive tolerance for difficult soils, this Smooth hydrangea variety is a proven performer. Ensure your site offers medium moisture and plan for late winter pruning to keep your Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE vigorous and colorful for years to come.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions based on similar needs for consistent moisture and part-shade exposure will ensure a harmonious landscape design. Pair Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE with shade-loving groundcovers such as Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) or Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) to help shade the soil and retain the consistent moisture this shrub prefers.

For vertical contrast, consider planting beneath taller, fine-textured shade trees like Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum). In woodland garden settings, pairing the deep green foliage and mauve blooms with the bright greens of Hostas or the white blooms of Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) creates excellent seasonal interest. Remember that since this hydrangea is tolerant of wet soil, companions should also appreciate medium to moist conditions.

Design Ideas for Small Spaces

Because the Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ncha7’ INVINCIBELLE MINI MAUVETTE matures at only 2-3 feet tall, it is perfectly sized for foundation plantings where taller shrubs might obscure windows or create maintenance issues. Position it slightly forward in a mixed border, using its dense, low profile as a colorful anchor that transitions between groundcovers and taller back-of-border plants.

This cultivar is also an excellent candidate for container gardening, provided the pot is large enough to accommodate its 3-foot spread. Grouping several pots on a shaded patio offers flexibility, allowing you to move them as sunlight changes or as you wish to redefine outdoor living areas. Use contrasting foliage colors in the pots, such as bright gold or variegated foliage, to highlight those rich mauve-pink blooms.