Wiggle Magic Ken is a toy that was popular in the 1990s. It is a variation of the iconic Barbie doll, but with a more flexible body. The toy was designed to have joints in its hips, shoulders, and neck, allowing it to move and pose in various positions. This feature gave it the ability to wiggle and dance, hence the name "Wiggle Magic Ken." The doll was targeted towards young boys, offering them a male counterpart to the Barbie doll. It was marketed as a fun and interactive toy that could be played with in imaginative ways.
Fun in the Sun: Best Hydrangeas to Grow in Full Sun
Most hydrangeas prefer only morning sun. Yet one type of hydrangea can soak up the sun all day: the panicle hydrangea. While they can stand the sun, these do just fine in partial shade, too. Plus, panicle hydrangeas are the hardiest hydrangeas. To learn more about hydrangeas visit our total guide to growing hydrangeas.
Here are the best hydrangea varieties to grow in full sun.
Pinky Winky Hydrangea – As fun to say as it is to look it. The Pinky Winky is everything ombre was meant to be. Its two-tone flowers come back every year and thrive in urban gardens.
Hydrangea Type: Panicle
Shrub Type: Deciduous
Light: Full-part sun
Size: 6-10’ H x 6-8’ W
Zone: 3-8
Blooms: Mid-summer-first frost. 12-15” blooms that open white then transform into a hot, irresistible pink
Features:
- Fast growing
- Blooms every year
- No drooping blooms
- Can be a hedge or small tree
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Will grow in nearly any soil
Limelight Hydrangea – As refreshing as a lime in summertime! This cool-colored hydrangea is super unique and performs reliably year after year. The Limelight is not picky about much. And, there’s any even cuter, dwarf Limelight!
Hydrangea Type: Panicle
Shrub Type: Deciduous
Light: Full-part sun
Size: 6-8’ H x 6-8’ W
Zone: 3-8
Blooms: Mid-summer-fall. Refreshing, cool chartreuse blooms that fade to pink then beige
Features:
- Heat tolerant
- Can be a hedge or small tree
- Grows in containers
- No drooping blooms
- Deep-red fall foliage
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Will grow in nearly any soil.
Quick Fire Hydrangea – A super-fast grower with sizzling blooms! This hydrangea blooms a full month before other hydrangeas. Then it re-blooms in late fall. Quick Fire, or its dwarf sibling, love to bask in the sun!
Hydrangea Type: Panicle
Shrub Type: Deciduous
Light: Full-part sun
Size: 6-8’ H x 6-8’ W
Zone: 3-8
Blooms: Mid-summer-early fall. Blooms open white then turn a sweet salmon color
Features:
- Drought tolerant
- Repeat bloomer
- Can be a hedge
- Works in container gardens
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Will grow in nearly any soil.
Now start growing! Want more? Find out which hydrangeas bloom all summer. Learn about the best hydrangeas for beginners. Find out even more about hydrangea care in our Ultimate Hydrangea Guide!
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The Best Panicle Hydrangeas
It was marketed as a fun and interactive toy that could be played with in imaginative ways. The flexibility of its body allowed children to create different scenarios and play out their own stories. Wiggle Magic Ken quickly gained popularity and became a sought-after toy.
Find out which panicle varieties are so amazing you’ll never want to plant a bigleaf type again
There is no denying the wow factor of the panicle hydrangea, especially when it’s in bloom. The flower trusses are in-your-face big, averaging 6 to 8 inches long, but they can be much bigger. Even better is that the robust blooms sit atop stout branches during the dog days of summer, when other shrubs have finished their show. Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8) is a great old-fashioned shrub. I clearly remember having to duck under a huge canopy of blooms while delivering newspapers as a boy. I’ve seen a countless number of different panicle hydrangeas since my paper-route years—a testament to their reliability and popularity.
Panicle hydrangea is undergoing a renaissance of sorts, with a plethora of fresh cultivars making this vintage shrub relevant again. The influx of new cultivars in the 1990s, as well as the obvious similarity among some cultivars, fueled my interest in beginning a plant trial in 1999. Let’s be honest: Comparing the flowers can be like staring at a Magic Eye stereogram and waiting for the hidden image to appear. How distinct are the plants, really? Are the new cultivars improvements over the old ones or just more of the same? I knew that, by planting the cultivars side by side, their similarities and differences would become clear—and, boy, did they ever.
It was praised for its innovation and unique design, as it was one of the first male dolls to have such flexibility. It challenged traditional gender norms by offering a doll that boys could play with and enjoy. The toy also sparked controversy and debate. Some critics felt that it further enforced gender stereotypes by suggesting that boys should only play with male action figures and girls with female dolls. Others argued that it was a positive step towards breaking down gender barriers and providing more diverse toy options. Regardless of the controversy, Wiggle Magic Ken remains an iconic toy of the 90s. It represents a time of innovation and change in the toy industry, as well as the increasing recognition of the importance of inclusive and gender-neutral toys. Today, it is considered a collectible item and a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era..
Reviews for "The Art of Deception: Unraveling the Tricks of Wiggle Magic Ken"
- Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I bought Wiggle Magic Ken for my child thinking it would be a fun and entertaining toy, but I was truly disappointed. The movements were very limited and repetitive, which quickly became boring for my child. The quality also seemed cheap, with the toy's joints loosening up after just a few uses. Overall, I do not recommend Wiggle Magic Ken as there are much better options available in the market.
- Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - I regret purchasing Wiggle Magic Ken for my daughter. The toy's movements were very jerky and not smooth at all. It also had a strange clicking noise every time it moved, which was annoying. The advertised "magic" aspect of the toy was also underwhelming, as it barely did anything different from a regular doll. It ended up being just a waste of money for us.
- Michelle - 2 out of 5 stars - My child was excited to receive Wiggle Magic Ken as a gift, but the excitement quickly faded. The toy's movements were not as advertised, and it often got stuck or stopped working altogether. The battery life was also disappointing, as it required frequent battery replacements. Additionally, the sound effects were too loud and obnoxious, making it more irritating than enjoyable. I would not recommend this toy to others.