Introducing Pop Star®

Photos provided by Bailey Nurseries

Introducing Pop Star®, the newest addition to the Endless Summer® collection of hydrangeas. This variety is setting the new standard for reblooming hydrangeas, with superior genetics that promote outstanding rebloom on a compact plant.

The story of Pop Star® begins outside of Athens, Georgia, at Bailey Innovations™, the breeding arm of Bailey Nurseries. Each year, over 10,000 seedlings are trialed to determine if they are worthy of being Introduced, but few of them make it past the initial trial phase. This rigorous testing is essential to maintain the high standards for the brand. To be considered for introduction, new varieties must be unique, fulfill a need in the landscape, and elevate key characteristics of the Endless Summer® brand.

Bailey Innovations™ Head Breeder David Roberts and his team had been searching for a unique Hydrangea macrophylla in the lacecap category. To go with lacecap blooms, they were looking for traits that included short internodes, sturdy stems, heat tolerant and disease-resisistant foliage, and improved bud hardiness and rebloom.

In 2014, they reviewed the seedling that would eventually become Pop Star®. In the years following its discovery, Pop Star® was put through rigorous trialing and testing to ensure the plant’s quality remained consistent and to ensure future success for growers, retailers, and consumers. Bailey performed trials at each of their facilities and partnered with brand licensees to evaluate the plant in different regions. They also worked alongside trial partners throughout North America and Europe to further analyze and observe the unique characteristics of Pop Star®: rebloom power, compact size, versatility, and ease of growth. These trials were conducted in a variety of settings, including production and landscape to ensure Pop Star® would benefit the trade and consumers.

After years of collecting data, Bailey’s team reviewed the data and saw that Pop Star® checked all the boxes and was the right plant to make a statement in the hydrangea market. And now, Pop Star® makes its way to retail for Spring 2023 sales.

The genetics of Pop Star® have been a key component in bringing this plant to market, especially for the team at Bailey Innovations™, who have really gotten to know Pop Star® since their first observation of the initial seedling in 2014. According to Roberts, Pop Star® is “arguably the best rebloomer we have seen. In our production trials, Pop Star® leads the pack when it comes to the quickness to rebloom and the quantity of blooms it produces.”

For retailers, this quick and powerful rebloom characteristic gives Pop Star® multi-season shelf life in retail and promotes impulse sales. The tight internodes keep the stems strong and reduces flop on the shelf.

And the improved genetics of Pop Star® extend beyond retail. In production, Pop Star® is a grower’s best friend, requiring little to no PGRs with minimal insect or disease problems. The ability to reduce inputs allows for greater profit and flexibility. Bailey sells Pop Star® in a variety of bareroot and container liners to meet grower’s needs.

In the landscape, Pop Star® is versatile and easy to grow. Similar to the retail presentation, the tight internodes and sturdy stems prevent the stems from flopping and keep the plant tidy. It remains under 36” tall and wide, removing the need for pruning, while allowing homeowners to plant in small gardens and deco pots. The compact nature of Pop Star® gives consumers many options for plant pairings. The bloom color varies based on pH, and the bright pink or electric blue flowers contrast beautifully with other landscape plants. And for those in warm climates, Pop Star® has thick foliage that stands up to summer heat. If that’s not enough, Pop Star® can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements.

The improved genetics make Pop Star® a game changer for the industry, while giving consumers endless options in the landscape. It’s earned a space in the market as a truly unique cultivar and is a must-have for growers’ and retailers’ offerings. For more information on Pop Star, please visit: www.baileynurseries.com/endless-summer.