Although Incrediballs and Annabelles are both members of the hydrangea family, they do have a few differences to note. The former is an offspring of the former, as the Annabelle Hydrangea was first discovered growing wild in nature. Over time, man has improved on the variety, making the Incrediball hardier and more adaptable. The most obvious one is the size of their blooms. Incrediball far outpaces any other variety in this regard. In addition to smaller blooms, Annabelle Hydrangeas also have smaller flower heads. This means that Incrediballs produce larger, more plentiful flower clusters. The branches of an Incrediball Hydeangea are also harder and sturdier, capable of holding up those enormous blooms. Conversely, Annabelle branches are weaker and more flexible. As such, they tend to droop, especially when their flowers reach their full size in the summer. While there are differences between these varieties, they do share a few similarities. These include: • Both grow in USDA Hardiness Zones of 3 to 9 •Both grow reach three to five feet tall • Both thrive in full sun to partial shade • Both need watering once to twice a week during drought conditions • Both are prone to powdery mildew fungus If you're looking for a traditional hydrangea with smaller-scale blooms, then the Annabelle variety is a safe bet. If it's knockout flower clusters you're after, then it's time to give the Incrediball a try!