Hydrangea paniculata Candlelight

Hydrangea paniculata Candlelight is an ideal paniculate hydrangea for creating a small hedge or shrub border. Its sturdy and branching dark red stems bear large conical panicles that gradually change from creamy white to deep pink. The combination of the red stems and the changing flowering is remarkable. This hardy and low-maintenance shrub is easy to grow in many gardens. Its moderate growth also makes it suitable for container cultivation.

Hydrangea paniculata, also known as the Mountain Hydrangea, is a particularly hardy species of hydrangea belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, native to deciduous forests in China and Japan. It can be easily grown in any good garden soil that is not too dry in summer.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Candlelight' ('HPOPR013') has an upright and branched habit, with erect and sturdy, dark red main branches that remain straight under the weight of the flowers. At maturity, this variety will reach about 1.50m in height and 1m in width. The flowering begins between mid-June and early July, depending on the climate. The shrub produces numerous dense conical panicles of flowers, measuring 25 to 30cm long, typical of H. paniculata. The majority of the flowers are single, sterile florets changing from cream to a soft pink, and then to a deeper pink over the weeks. The branches bear ovate, fairly light green leaves with finely toothed edges. They turn dark green in summer and then more or less yellow, orange, and purple before disappearing in winter. Panicled hydrangeas are less sensitive to late frosts as they flower mostly on the current year's growth. This variety can withstand temperatures down to -20°C, and even lower.

'Hydrangea paniculata 'Candlelight' stands out from the "ball" hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) due to its good tolerance to sunlight, sea spray, and less moist or slightly calcareous soils. Planted in rich and loose garden soil, 'Candlelight' will quickly become a well-groomed shrub adorned with colourful flowers for 3 months. Use it for a small informal hedge or in a shrub border. To accompany it, choose repeat-flowering roses, sacred bamboos (Nandina), weigelas, and medium-sized mock oranges (Philadelphus) to play with contrasts and shapes. Its moderate size allows it to be easily grown in a large container on the terrace, where it will thrive for many years with regular feeding and watering.