Hydrangea Invincibelle Spirit II

* Common name: Hydrangea Invincibelle Spirit II

* Botanical name: Hydrangea arborescens Invincibelle Spirit II

* What it is: A new variety of our native smooth hydrangea that’s distinctive for its medium-pink flowers. Smooth hydrangeas normally bloom white. Flowers are big and round (bigger than softballs) and peak for about four weeks in early summer. Invincibelle Spirit also has strong stems, which help the plant stay more upright instead of floppy, as most older smooth hydrangeas grow.

* Size: 5 to 6 feet tall and wide.

* Where to use: This type of hydrangea prefers shady to partly shaded spots, so it works best in a woodland garden or under trees. Also can be planted along eastern or northern house foundations, if you keep it at least three feet out from walls.

* Care: Cut back all growth as low as ankle high at the end of winter. Browned-out flower heads can be snipped off any time, or you can let them on all winter if you like the textural appearance. An annual spring scattering of a balanced, organic granular fertilizer is helpful but usually not necessary. Water needed only in a drought after the first year. Cut a few flowers for arrangements.

* Great partner: Pair with hosta under trees or underplant with a groundcover of foamflowers or leadwort.