Hydrangea arborescens Invincibelle Spirit II
Hydrangea 'Invincibelle Spirit II' photo courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery
Smooth Hydrangea

'Annabelle' is an old fashioned Hydrangea that, while tough and easy to grow, has some major faults including very weak stems.  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 just as well as 'Annabelle,  blooming 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®.

  • Height: 1.06-1.21 m (42-48 in)
  • Spread: 1.06-1.21 m (42-48 in)
  • Hardiness: Zone 3-8
  • Sun or Shade: minimum four hours of direct sun
  • Bloom Time: summer through fall
  • Leaf Colour: dark green
  • Bloom Colour: pink
  • Nature Attraction: bees

Growing and Maintenance Tips

A minimum of four hours of sun will produce the best flower colour and stem strength. A good 5-7 cm (2-3") layer of shredded bark mulch is recommended to keep the roots cool and growing vigorously. Prune Invincibelle Spirit II, and all smooth hydrangeas, in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge. Cut the whole plant back by about one-third its total height. You may prune in fall, once the plant has gone completely dormant. Deadheading, (removing the spent flowers) is not necessary for this plant to continue to bloom. However, to improve the look of the plant, you may remove old flowers when they turn brown.

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