Since the introduction of the Invincibelle Spirit® hydrangea in 2009, sales from this special plant have raised funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). At the end of 2015, fundraising efforts reached over $900,000 toward its million dollar goal. In addition to donating one dollar for every plant sold, it serves as the heart of hundreds of Pink Day fundraisers hosted at garden centers across the United States and Canada.

Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, the brand behind Invincibelle® Spirit hydrangea, selected The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)  because it is the highest rated breast cancer organization in the U.S. with an A+ rating from Charity Watch and 4 out of 4 stars from Charity Navigator. BCRF provides critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivorship.

New to the campaign in 2015 was the introduction of Invincibelle Spirit® II hydrangea. This new variety improves upon the original Invincibelle® Spirit while continuing the legacy of donating one dollar from each plant sold to BCRF. The Invincibelle Spirit hydrangeas (H. arborescens) is the result of the breeding of Dr. Tom Ranney, NCSU Ornamental Plant Breeder. This new hydrangea improves upon the original with brighter flower color, stronger stems, and superior performance in containers. Like its predecessor, Invincibelle Spirit II hydrangea is a reliable re-bloomer that will perform from Manitoba to Mobile (USDA hardiness zones 3-9).

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a loosely branched deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3 – 6 feet tall and wide in the wild. This native shrub is easy to grow in average, moisture, well-drained soil in partial sun to shade. Invincibelle® Spirit hydrangea series is more compact at 3-4 feet in height and width. Irrigate shrubs during dry periods to keep summer foliage looking fresh. It flowers on new wood from late spring thru early summer.

Credit: data on sales of Invincibelle® Spirit hydrangeas provided by Mark Osgerby, Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.