Hydrangea arborescens Invincibelle ® Spirit II

In honor of the 2016 Scott Medal Winner, Dale Deppe, the spring plant dividend this year is Hydrangea arborescens Invincibelle® Spirit II. Dale Deppe, whose induction list includes Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’, a Gold Medal Plant winner; chose H. Invincibelle ® Spirit II because it has richer foliage, stiffer stems, and larger flowers.

The large mop-head blooms of Invincibelle ® Spirit II mature into a rich pink in mid-summer and fade to an attractive green by fall. While some flowers are fading, the re-blooming ability of this plant allows for rich pink color into the fall.

The sturdy stems prevent blooms from falling over. photo credit: R. Robert

It has been noted that this native selection reliably blooms after the harshest winters. The sturdy stems prevent the blooms from crashing to the ground.

Dale Deppe has donated the proceeds of this plant patent to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation ®. Thus for every plant purchased $1 is donated to advance the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime. Since its introduction in 2009, sales from this special plant have raised over $900,000 for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.

Members can pick up this remarkable plant at the Scott Arboretum Selections: Spring Sale on Saturday, May 21, 2016.