Hydrangea arborescens Candybelle Marshmallow

Hydrangea arborescens Candybelle Marshmallow (‘GRHYAR1406’) is a new variety of small-sized Virginia hydrangea, which is floriferous, hardy, and easy to grow. It's a lovely rounded bush that produces large fluffy flowers painted in pale salmon-pink throughout the summer. Its short and sturdy stems effortlessly support the weight of the flowers, even when soaked with rain. This wonderful hydrangea is as resplendent in the garden as it is in a beautiful pottery on the terrace.

Hydrangea arborescens, also called Virginia Hydrangea, belongs to the large Hydrangeaceae family. This botanical species native to the Southeast USA is less demanding in terms of shade and soil than its Asian counterparts, and therefore very easy to grow in any moist and loose soil.

Candybelle Marshmallow is a very hardy plant (up to -25°C (-13°F)) that faithfully reflowers even after cold winters. It flowers on the current year's shoots. It can be planted in cold regions as it renews its floral buds all summer and does not fear spring frosts. It develops sturdy and ramified stems, forming a bush of about 80 to 90 cm (32 to 35in) in all directions, making it ideal for cultivation in containers or pots. The flowering begins in early July and renews until September. It takes the form of large globular inflorescences called corymbs, measuring up to 20cm (8in) in diameter. Each one is made up of a multitude of small flowers called florets. Each floret has 3 to 4 light salmon-pink sepals. The bright green foliage is composed of beautiful single leaves 10 to 20cm (4 to 8in) long, with bronze reflections. The leaves are deciduous and fall in autumn. Hydrangeas can live for over 50 years. 

This variety is small, floriferous, robust, and easy to grow in any good garden soil. If your decor is rather contemporary, or if you have a small city garden, this moderately sized bush will bring a romantic and natural touch. Candybelle Marshmallow livens up all semi-shade scenes. Plant it as a standalone, in groups of 3, in a small hedge, or in a pot on a terrace. Consider planting a small border of box or Lonicera nitida 'Elegant' to form a setting for its large flowers. It can also be surrounded by hellebores, hardy fuchsias, daffodils and pansies which prolong the flowering and complete the range of colours. Finally, cut its flowers to create beautiful bouquets!