Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA3'

Proven Winners®

First-Ever Red Hydrangea with Burgundy Blooms that Fade to Bright Red and Silvery Pink
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies

$27²⁷

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Plant Size

Quart Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this hydrangea at least 6 hours of direct sun daily to ensure strong stems and the richest ruby-red color. While it thrives in full sun, gardeners in hotter climates should provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching during peak heat.
Soil: Plant in rich, well-draining soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you are working with heavy clay, mix in compost or pine bark to improve drainage and help the roots breathe.

Watering Requirements

Smooth hydrangeas have shallow root systems, so you must check soil moisture daily during the first season to help the plant establish. Once mature, these plants will wilt dramatically to tell you they are thirsty; keeping the soil evenly moist prevents this stress and ensures a continuous supply of fresh blooms.

Pruning Tips

Because Invincibelle® Ruby blooms on new wood, you should prune it in early spring just as the new growth begins to emerge. Cut the stems back by about one-third to build a sturdy framework that keeps the heavy flower heads from flopping over during summer storms.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular, slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs in early spring to fuel vigorous growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft green growth that will be damaged by the first winter frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Reblooming, Disease resistant, Attracts pollinators, Hedge/Screen, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-4 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Spreading
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Red
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Hydrangea
Botanical Name	Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA3'
Species	arborescens
Cultivar	NCHA3
Class	Magnoliopsida, Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA3') is the first-ever red-flowered Hydrangea - not some shade of pink, but an almost true burgundy red. The blooms start out a deep burgundy in the summer and slowly fade to a bright red and silvery pink - a truly eye-catching color combo!

The flowers just keep coming all summer and into fall, too. The massive blooms are held high on strong stems that are great for cutting. It only takes one of these huge flower blooms to fill a bowl on your table. Invincibelle® Ruby has large deep green leaves that really give the flowers center stage.

The handsome quilted and textured foliage makes them incredible background plants throughout the garden, even when not in bloom! Growing 3-4 feet in mature height and 2-3 feet in width. Gaining growth moderately throughout USDA growing zones 3-9, making these Smooth Hydrangea very cold-hardy!

Planting and Application:

Invincibelle® Ruby looks great in mixed borders and your home's foundation plantings. These smaller and more compact Hydrangeas are highly adaptable in large containers and planters! It's a must-have in a mass planting and for naturalizing a garden. These shrubs naturally form suckers from the base and form dense colonies that add privacy, bird safe havens and low screening. Any real cutting garden is empty without one, too. The dried flowers look great if left on the shrub all winter, but they are fantastic if dried and brought inside for the dreary winter months.

This is a garden showpiece for sure! Add one of these brilliant red blossoms are spectacular focal points and specimens! Tuck into any cottage bed or border, anchor garden plantings, or use as a foundation planting along a protected side of your home! Brighten your porch or patio, seating areas and even balconies with these compact deciduous shrubs!

True Red Flowers
Loved by Songbirds & Butterflies
Handsome Textured Green Foliage
Slowly Spreading Smooth Hydrangea
Great for Cutting Gardens, Specimens & Naturalizing

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Hydrangeas grow best and strongest growth in full sun and partial shade, favoring morning sun and afternoon shade in the hottest of the USDA growing zones 3-9. Plant Hydrangea in moderate, and consistent moisture and enriched organic soil. Prune in early spring, removing dead, damaged or old branching, and cutting the plant down by a third for size control. Remove suckers at any time throughout the year!

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moderately Moist Enriched Soil
Highly Adaptable
Prune Bigleaf Hydrangea After Flowering
Blooms on New Wood

Your garden will be revived when you plant Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea bushes! Songbirds and butterflies love it and it will bring you months of ruby-red enjoyment. Order yours today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea grow well in full sun or does it need part shade?

Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea thrives in partial shade to partial sun conditions. Like most Hydrangea arborescens varieties, it performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in zones 7-9. Plant in a location that receives 4-6 hours of sunlight for optimal bloom production.

How much water does Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea require after planting?

Water deeply twice weekly for the first month after planting, then weekly once established. This hardy shrub (zones 3-9) prefers consistent moisture but tolerates some drought. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry.

When and how should I prune Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea to ensure blooming?

Prune Invincibelle® Ruby in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. As a smooth hydrangea (arborescens), it blooms on new wood, so even hard pruning won't affect flowering. Cut back to 12-18 inches above ground for largest blooms, or lightly shape for more natural form.

Will Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea bloom reliably every year on new growth?

Yes, Invincibelle® Ruby blooms reliably on new wood each year from summer into fall across zones 3-9. As a smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens), it produces flowers on current season's growth, ensuring consistent blooms even after harsh winters. Prune in late winter to early spring for best flowering.

Is Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea cold hardy in zone 3 winters?

Yes, Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea is cold hardy in USDA zone 3. This smooth hydrangea thrives in zones 3-9, making it one of the most cold-tolerant hydrangeas available. Plant in a protected location for best winter survival in the coldest zones, available at naturehills.com.

How do I plant Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea upon arrival, including depth and spacing?

Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot, with the root flare at soil level. Space plants 3-4 feet apart to accommodate mature width of 2-3 feet. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with native soil. Water thoroughly after planting.

Will my Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea ship bare root or potted, and how do I store it?

Your Invincibelle® Ruby Hydrangea will ship as a potted plant, not bare root. If you can't plant immediately, keep the pot in a shaded area and water regularly to maintain soil moisture. Plant as soon as possible for best establishment in zones 3-9.