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AWARD WINNING

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photo of Dr. Tom Ranney

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

AWARD WINNING

INVINCIBELLE® Spirit II

Hydrangea - Smooth

Hydrangea arborescens

'NCHA2'

PP#28,316; CBR#5622

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Several Invincibelle Spirit II hydrangeas blooming under a tree alongside a lawn The deep pink blooms of Invincibelle Spirit II hydrangea A single specimen of Invincibelle Spirit II hydrangea showing its pink blooms and strong stems Closeup of the pink blooms of Invincibelle Spirit II hydrangea against a blue sky Three specimens of Invincibelle Spirit II hydrangea blooming in the landscape
  • Pink flowers
  • Reblooming
  • Strong stems
Description

A better pink 'Annabelle' - type hydrangea! Meet Invincibelle® Spirit II hydrangea - an improved version of Invincibelle® Spirit, the original pink 'Annabelle' hydrangea. It delivers darker foliage, stiffer stems, and larger flowers of a deeper, truer pink. The blooms age to an attractive green instead of the bisque color of the original. This hydrangea grows from Manitoba to Mobile, blooming every year from mid-summer to frost. It is a strong rebloomer. $1 from each Invincibelle® Spirit II sold is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). We encourage you to donate as well. BCRF is dedicated to advancing the world's most promising research to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime. Click here for more information about the Invincibelle Spirit Campaign for a Cure. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org. 

Awards
Theodore Klein Award, University of Kentucky Arboretum, 2019
USDA Zone
3 - 8 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3.5 - 4'
Width
3.5 - 4'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer - fall
Flower Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Grows well in most soils; avoid wet and poorly drained sites. Mulch is recommended in the landscape.

Pruning

Blooms on new wood - cut back by about one-third its total height in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge on the stems. Smooth hydrangeas may be cut back harder, however, this prevents woody cells from developing, prohibiting the plant from achieving its maximum stem strength.

Uses

Versatile and showy, smooth hydrangeas offer dozens of landscape applications: foundation plantings, perennial gardens, hedges, cut flower gardens, naturalizing, pollinator and wildlife gardens.

Growing Tips

We recommend full sun for smooth hydrangeas in the cooler end of its hardiness range; afternoon shade is a good idea in warmer climates, however. The flower color of smooth hydrangeas is not influenced by soil chemistry. Makes an excellent cut flower, both cut and dried.

  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week October 11, 2018; Invincibelle® Spirit II hydrangea
  • Tag: Invincibelle® Spirit II Hydrangea Tag
  • Spec Sheet: Invincibelle® Spirit II Hydrangea Spec Sheet
  • Grower Sheet: Invincibelle® Spirit II Hydrangea Grower Sheet
  • Benchcard: Invincibelle® Spirit II Hydrangea Benchcard

    • Features: Cut flower, Native, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Reblooming

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Smooth, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Cut flower, Native, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Reblooming

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Smooth, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Green foliage