Hydrangea arborescens Candybelle® Bubblegum ('GRHYAR147')

• Pollinators: Attracts bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.
• Wildlife: Generally not attractive to deer, and is considered somewhat deer-resistant.

• Season: Spring through Fall
• Flowering Season: Early summer through late summer
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

🏡 Foundation Plantings

🎨 Color Accent in Borders

bubblegum-pink blooms add a bold splash of color to mixed shrub or perennial borders, especially when paired with plants in purple, blue, or lime tones.

💐 Cut Flower Gardens

long-lasting blooms and strong stems, it's excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements.

🐝 Pollinator-Friendly Gardens

🪴 Mass Planting or Drift Effects

wave of vibrant pink color with minimal maintenance.

❄️ Seasonal Interest Planting

early summer flowering through fall, with attractive dried flower heads adding winter interest.

• Color: Rich, deep green leaves that contrast beautifully with the bright pink flowers.
• Shape: Oval, with serrated edges.
• Size: The leaves are medium-sized, approximately 4-6 inches long, and provide a lush backdrop for the bold blooms.

• Color: Vivid bubblegum-pink mophead blooms.
• Bloom Time: Blooms appear in early summer and last through late summer, offering months of color.
• Size of Blooms: Large, rounded flower clusters can be up to 6-8 inches across, creating a dramatic display.
• Fragrance: Mildly fragrant.

• Best Time to Plant: Plant in early spring or fall, when the soil is warm but temperatures are cooler, allowing the plant to establish its roots before extreme weather.

Planting Instructions:

• Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Hydrangeas perform best in slightly acidic to neutral pH soils.
• Spacing: Plant 3-4 feet apart to allow the shrub to spread and showcase its blooms.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.

• Pruning Needs: Minimal pruning required. Cut back to about one-third of the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth and abundant blooms.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to keep the plant looking fresh and encourage continuous blooming through the season.
• Winter Care: Hydrangea arborescens varieties are winter-hardy, but in colder climates, apply mulch to protect the roots from extreme cold.

• Watering Frequency: Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during the first growing season. Water deeply once a week, more frequently during hot, dry periods.
• Drought Tolerance: While somewhat drought-tolerant once established, it prefers consistent moisture for optimal growth and blooming.

• Preferred Light: Partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, it prefers morning sun with afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
• Tolerates: Full sun in cooler climates, provided it receives adequate water.

💐 For Fresh Floral Use

• When to Harvest: Mid-summer (typically June to August), once the flower heads are fully open and firm.
  
• How to Harvest:
  
• Use clean, sharp shears.
  
• Cut stems in the morning and immediately place in water.
  
• Choose mature flower heads for longer vase life.
  

🪶 For Dried Arrangements

• When to Harvest: Late summer to early fall, when blooms start to dry naturally on the plant and feel papery.
  
• Drying Method:
  
• Strip off leaves.
  
• Hang upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space, or dry upright in a vase with no water.
  
• Takes 1–2 weeks to dry.

• When to Fertilize: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Fertilize again lightly after the first flowering to encourage continued blooms.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a general-purpose fertilizer or one formulated for flowering shrubs.

• Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Dividing: Hydrangeas typically do not need to be divided but can be propagated through cuttings if desired.
• Pests: Generally pest-resistant, though aphids, spider mites, and slugs may occasionally be a problem. Treat as needed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

• Hydrangea arborescens Candybelle® Bubblegum is self-pollinating but also attracts bees and other pollinators, which can enhance the overall garden ecosystem. Its flowers are primarily sterile, meaning they rarely produce seeds, but they offer a visual feast for pollinators.

Choose companions that enhance Hydrangea Candybelle® 'Bubblegum's' color and grow well in full sun to part shade, in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

💮 Color Contrast & Bloom Harmony

• Salvia nemorosa – spiky purple blooms contrast beautifully with the round pink hydrangea heads.
  
• Nepeta 'Walker’s Low' – lavender-blue flowers and gray-green foliage offer soft texture and a cooling tone.
  
• Heuchera ‘Caramel’ or ‘Berry Smoothie’ – vibrant foliage echoes or contrasts pink blooms.
  

🌾 Foliage & Structural Pairings

• Carex 'Evergold' – a grassy texture that softens the hydrangea’s bold form.
  
• Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – evergreen structure for year-round contrast.
  

🌺 Shaded or Dappled Light Companions

• Astilbe – fluffy blooms complement the hydrangea’s form, perfect for part-shade borders.
  
• Ferns – create a cool, green backdrop in partially shaded areas.