Hydrangea Arborescens Candybelle Bubblegum

Hydrangea Arborescens Candybelle Bubblegum is a compact deciduous shrub, valued for its bushy shape, rounded form, and spectacular domed flower heads. Reaching just 80 cm in height, this variety is well suited to both small gardens and container planting. Its large ‘bubblegum’ pink blooms bring vibrant colour to borders, pots, and mixed planting schemes throughout the summer months.

This hydrangea hybrid is part of the Candybelle series, a modern breeding development aimed at creating robust, compact hydrangea varieties with strong stems and abundant flowering. Hydrangea Arborescens Candybelle Bubblegum carries broad, ovate leaves that emerge deep green with bronze tones, edged with subtle serrations. From July to September, the plant produces large, domed flower heads held proudly above the foliage. On neutral to alkaline soils, the flowers remain a rich pink, while in more acidic soils they may take on softer tones of pink to pale blue, offering a natural variation depending on local conditions.

Unlike Hydrangea macrophylla or Hydrangea serrata, which are better known for their mophead or lacecap flowers and variable colour changes, Hydrangea Arborescens is native to North America and is celebrated for its reliability and hardiness. Compared to Hydrangea paniculata, which tends to form taller, more conical flowers and larger shrubs, Hydrangea Arborescens Candybelle Bubblegum offers a lower, rounded habit that makes it ideal for smaller spaces or container use and a great choice of hydrangea for smaller gardens.

Height and Width of Hydrangea Candybelle Bubblegum

This hydrangea has a compact and rounded habit, typically growing to about 80 cm in height and spreading to around 70–90 cm across.

How hardy is Hydrangea Candybelle Bubblegum?

Candybelle Bubblegum is fully hardy in the UK climate. It withstands cold winters with ease and is less prone to frost damage compared to Hydrangea macrophylla, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in a wide range of locations.

Uses in Garden and/or Landscape

Candybelle Bubblegum is perfect for brightening borders, mixed planting schemes, or creating striking displays in pots and containers on terraces, patios, or balconies. Its compact size also makes it suitable for smaller gardens where space is limited. The bubblegum pink flower heads are excellent for cutting and using in fresh or dried floral arrangements.

Care Tips

Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Regular watering during dry spells is essential, particularly when grown in containers. To encourage strong growth and flowering, cut stems back to a low framework in early spring. Hydrangea arborescens varieties flower on the current year’s growth, so pruning does not risk losing blooms. An annual mulch of compost or well-rotted manure will help maintain soil moisture and fertility.