Light
Invincibelle spirits prefer full, morning sun over afternoon sun. Still, it can tolerate partial sun.
Water
As with most hydrangeas, the plant’s soil should never dry out completely. Be especially wary of this during the summer months. It’s best to water approximately 1 inch each week during initial growth and deeply water three times a week once roots are established.
Soil
A humus-rich soil is ideal for invincibelle spirits. Working organic matter into the ground will both improve drainage and provide nutrients. In some hydrangeas, you can change flower color by adjusting soil pH, but this isn’t the case for invincibelle spirits. This cultivar is reliably pink.
Temperature and Humidity
The invincibelle spirit is hardy and remains a reliable bloomer after the harshest winters in hardiness zone 3. It is also heat tolerant. It can survive temperatures down to -35°F and up to 86°F, but only for 150 days.
Fertilizer
You can add compost to the plant’s soil once a year, or apply a rose fertilizer once in the spring after the ground has thawed.
Types of Invincibelle Spirits
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Invincibelle Spirit II’Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball’Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’Hydrangea arborescens ‘Mini Mauvette’Hydrangea arborescens ‘Lime Rickey’
Pruning
Although generally unnecessary, if you choose to prune your invincibelle spirit, do so between the first hard frost of fall and early spring. You can make pruning cuts down to the ground, and new shoots will still grow. Cut the whole plant back by about one-third of its total height. Deadheading or removing the spent flowers is unneeded for this plant to continue blooming. You won’t harm these plants by cutting.
Propagating Invincibelle Spirits
As a trademarked cultivar, propagating invincibelle spirit hydrangeas for sale is prohibited.
How to Grow Invincibelle Spirits From Seed
Like propagating invincibelle with cuttings, it is copyright infringement to grow invincibelle spirit by propagating seeds.
Potting and Repotting Invincibelle Spirits
All hydrangeas are shrubs that can grow very large and need substantial containers to bear the heft and weight of the branches. If you decide to pot an invincibelle spirit, consider a giant container at least 5 feet in diameter. Re-potting the plant once it has grown to full size may be difficult or impossible.
Overwintering
Smooth hydrangeas like invincibelle spirits require little overwintering. You can prepare your plant for the winter months by cutting back all the stems to about 3 to 6 inches from the base. Smooth hydrangeas can handle heavy winter snow.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Invincibelle spirits may be affected by beetles, aphids, and spider mites that damage the structural integrity of the plant’s leaves. Your invincibelle spirit may also be impacted by diseases common to all hydrangeas. These include powdery mildew, botrytis blight, and leaf spot. You can usually curb infestations by practicing an appropriate watering routine and preventatively spraying pesticides.
How to Get Invincibelle Spirits to Bloom
Invincibelle spirits bloom yearly in the summer and fall, producing ball-shaped, bright pink flowers and green foliage 2-4 inches long. The bulbous pink flowers are accompanied by smaller, white blossoms from May through July. To encourage bloom, provide your invincibelle spirit with ample sunlight and consistently moist soil. Spacing the plants 3 to 4 feet apart will help with healthy growth and bloom. Deadheading isn’t necessary, but you may do so for aesthetic purposes.
Common Problems With Invincibelle Spirits
While invincibelle spirits are a relatively easygoing cultivar, it is not without vulnerabilities. Look out for problems with your plant so you can get ahead of further damage.
Drooping Leaves
Invincibelle spirits, like all smooth hydrangeas, are sensitive to overwatering. If the stem becomes compromised by excess water, it may weaken and be unable to keep the heavy flowers upright. If you notice this, consider adjusting your watering practices.
Spotting on Leaves
Invincibelle spirits may develop yellow or brown spots on their leaves, usually due to under-watering, overwatering, viruses, or insects. Pay attention to potential infestations and consider treating your plant with an anti-fungal. Adjust your watering practices as necessary.
