Invincibelle® Spirit II Smooth Hydrangea

A pink-flowered, mophead selection of our native H. arborescens, Invincibelle® Spirit II has sturdy stems and flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The large, mophead flowers start out a deep, soft pink and age to an attractive green. Once established, this adaptable plant will tolerate some dry conditions, as well as black walnut. Invincibelle® Spirit II smooth is perfect for use as a hedge or in foundation plantings. Best of all, whenever an Invincibelle® Spirit II hydrangea is sold, $1 is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Through sales of this plant and pink day events at garden centers across North America, over $1 million has been raised to help fund the important work of finding a cure for breast cancer.

Why grow Invincibelle® Spirit II smooth hydrangea?

  • Extraordinarily handsome – deep pink flowers and clean dark foliage.
  • Very reliable growth thanks to its cold hardiness.
  • Each purchase supports life-saving breast cancer research.

Additional information

Dimensions3 × 3 ft
Botanical Name

Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA2' PP#28,316; CBR#5622

Flower Color

Pink

Foliage Color

Green

Height

3-4'

Width/Spread

3-4'

Exposure

Full Sun, Part Shade

Soil

Average, Well-drained

Bloom Time

Early Summer through Fall

Uses

Borders, Foundations, Hedges, Specimen

Features

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

Blooms On

New wood

Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney

Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Plant Care

Light: It depends on the climate you live in. For gardens at the cooler end of their hardiness range, they will thrive in full sun. For gardens at the warmer end of the range, it benefits from placement in afternoon shade.

Soil: Prefers moist soil that drains easily. Any period of extended sogginess will not be tolerated. Soil pH does not affect flower color.

Water: Average water needs.

Fertilizing: Nothing special required. If desired, you may apply a granular fertilizer formulated for flowering woody plants in late winter/early spring when the soil is workable.

Pruning: Pruning is recommended in early spring. When the buds begin to swell noticeably, cut the whole plant back by one third. Make cuts just about 1/4 of an inch above a bud. Dead or damaged wood can be removed at any time, just cut back to a set of leaves!

Other: It can be used as a cut flower! For its longest vase life, cut vertically up the stem about 2″. This will help it absorb more water.