Invincibelle Spirit ll Hydrangea  

Invincibelle Spirit ll (photo provided by Proven Winners)

To build awareness and show support for those affected by breast cancer, over 40 volunteers filled public gardens and surrounding areas with pink plants in downtown Haslett, a suburb of Lansing, MI. The Invincibelle® Spirit II hydrangeas are a beautiful reminder that we are not alone in our hopes and prayers for a cure.

With one in eight women facing a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, Proven Winners® ColorChoice® supports the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). BCRF is the highest rated breast cancer organization in the U.S. and provides critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivorship. Since 2009, over $903,000 has been raised for BCRF through plant sales and Pink Day fundraisers hosted by independent garden centers across the United States and Canada.

This donation effort continues the legacy of giving one dollar($) from each plant sold to BCRF. Invincibelle® Spirit II (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Invincibelle Spirit ll’) is a 2015 introduction. It is an improvement upon the original Invincibelle® Spirit, from the breeding work of Dr. Tom Ranney at the North Carolina Research and Extension Center at Mills River, NC. Invincibelle Spirit ll hydrangea has brighter flower color, stronger stems, and superior container presentation. It is also a reliable re-bloomer that sparkles in gardens from Manitoba to Mobile.

Simple Growing Information: Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) is a loosely branched deciduous shrub that grows to 3 – 6 feet tall and wide (USDA hardiness zones 3-9). This native species is easy to grow in average, moisture, well-drained soil in partial sun to shade. Invincibelle® Spirit hydrangea series grows more compact at 3 – 4 feet in height and width. It flowers on new wood from late spring thru early summer. Prune this hydrangea after the main flowering period has finished. Irrigate shrub(s) during dry periods to keep summer foliage looking fresh.

Credit: sales data on Invincibelle Spirit II hydrangea provided by Mark Osgerby, Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. in Grand Haven, Michigan. Photos provided by Proven Winners.