Hydrangea arborescens Candybelle® Marshmallow ('GRHYAR146') - Candybelle® Marshmallow Hydrangea

Candybelle® Marshmallow attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are drawn to its large, nectar-rich flowers. The plant also provides cover for small insects and wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.

• Seasonality: Deciduous; drops its leaves in winter and regrows in spring.
• Flowering Season: Early summer to fall (June-September)
• Bloom Description: Candybelle® Marshmallow produces large, soft pink flower heads, resembling puffy marshmallows, that bloom continuously from early summer to fall. The flowers are long-lasting and held upright on strong stems, creating a full, rounded appearance.

🏡 Foundation and Border Plantings

• Perfect for framing garden beds, patios, or walkways. Its tidy, upright growth habit and soft pink flowers bring elegance and volume to any landscape.
  

💐 Cut Flower Gardens

• With its large, long-lasting blooms and sturdy stems, Candybelle® ‘Marshmallow’ is a favorite for fresh bouquets and drying.
  

🎨 Mass Planting for Impact

• Plant in groups for a cohesive drift of airy pink throughout summer—a perfect anchor in perennial beds or cottage gardens.
  

🦋 Wildlife and Pollinator Gardens

• Attracts bees and other beneficial insects while maintaining ornamental beauty.
  

🪴 Container Gardening (in mild climates)

• Can be grown in large containers for decks or entryways if consistently watered and pruned for shape.

The leaves of Hydrangea arborescens Candybelle® Marshmallow are dark green, oval, and slightly serrated. The foliage provides a dense backdrop for the large, soft pink flowers, making the blooms stand out even more. The leaves remain attractive throughout the growing season before dropping in late fall.

Bloom Color: Delicate soft blush-pink blooms with a smooth, marshmallow-like tone that fades beautifully with age.

Form: Dense, rounded mophead flowers reaching up to 6–8 inches wide.

Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (typically June to August), depending on climate.

Stem Strength: Exceptionally strong stems that support the large blooms without flopping—a major improvement over older hydrangea varieties.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool, allowing the plant to establish roots before the growing season or winter dormancy.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. While hydrangeas tolerate a wide range of soil types, they perform best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with good moisture retention.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for mature spread and to create a full, rounded effect in mass plantings or borders.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems and thin out older wood to encourage new growth. Candybelle® Marshmallow blooms on new wood, so pruning will not impact its flowering ability. Cutting the plant back by one-third will help maintain its shape and encourage more prolific blooming.

Candybelle® Marshmallow requires regular watering, especially during its first growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water deeply during dry spells to maintain healthy growth and abundant flowering. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture.

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal blooming, plant Candybelle® Marshmallow in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense heat and prevent leaf scorching.

The large, soft pink blooms of Candybelle® Marshmallow are perfect for fresh floral arrangements. Harvest the flowers when they are fully open for the best color and texture. The blooms can also be dried for long-lasting, decorative displays.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth and prolific blooms. A second light feeding in mid-summer can help sustain the plant through the growing season. Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching also helps protect the shallow roots from temperature extremes.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Candybelle® Marshmallow is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, monitor for common hydrangea issues such as powdery mildew or aphids, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and proper watering to prevent these problems.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, Candybelle® Marshmallow will drop its leaves and enter dormancy in winter. No special winter care is needed, though mulching the root zone can help protect the plant from extreme cold.

Pollination Type: Flowers are primarily sterile florets, but some fertile florets may be present and are insect-pollinated.

Pollinators Attracted: Attracts bees, hoverflies, and occasional butterflies during bloom time.

Pollination Purpose: Though not planted primarily for pollination, it contributes to pollinator health during its flowering period.

🌿 Color and Foliage Contrast

– deep purple spikes contrast beautifully with pastel blooms.

– vivid foliage provides base-level color and texture.

– soft blue tones and airy texture add cooling contrast.

🌾 Structural Companions

– evergreen formality contrasts nicely with the hydrangea’s summer softness.

– vertical ornamental grass complements rounded blooms.

🦋 Pollinator-Friendly Partners

(Coneflower) – sturdy, drought-tolerant, and loved by bees.

– aromatic, drought-tolerant, and visually complementary.