Proven Winners® ColorChoice® flowering shrubs introduces the first ever, pink ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea, appropriately called Invincibelle® Spirit! (Hydrangea arborescens, Smooth Hydrangea).
The name says it all considering the breeders’ relentless efforts and the plant’s unique mission. Proven Winners will donate one dollar for each Invincibelle® Spirit sold to the Breast Cancer Research foundation and is dedicated to raising at least $1 million for the foundation.
Bred by Dr. Thomas Ranney, Richard Olsen, and the team at Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Development Center at NC State University, Invincibelle® Spirit is a breakthrough plant. Not only is it a thriving survivor, it is noticeably special because its flowers emerge a dark, hot pink color and mature to a rich clear pink. As a continuous bloomer, it produces new mop-head flowers from early summer until frost for a grand and beautiful seasonal display.
Chicagoland gardeners have come to rely on ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea as the ironclad arborescens that grows in many soil types and exposures. Virtually maintenance free and suitable to northern gardens, it is no wonder that ‘Annabelle’ has been the best selling hydrangea in the world. It has one obvious limitation: It blooms only in white.
That is until now!
With its rich pink mop-head flowers and rounded habit, Invincibelle® Spirit works well in general landscaping, including naturalized areas. Hardy in zones 3 through 9, Invincibelle takes full sun to part shade and reblooms without deadheading. Soil pH does not affect the bloom color. Gardeners can expect to find this exciting new smooth hydrangea at better garden centers in spring of 2010.
Proven Winners® ColorChoice® flowering shrubs are developed by Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. in Grand Haven, Michigan to help consumers be more successful with gardening. Go to www.springmeadownursery.com or www.provenwinners.com for more information.
For more information, inspirational photos and retailers, see
http://www.provenwinners.com/plants
Comments