Blooming Beauties: Candlelight, Sundae Fraise & Runaway Bride Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a staple in gardens and containers alike, loved for their lush foliage and spectacular flower displays that bring weeks — even months — of colour to your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re creating a romantic garden bed, brightening a patio with potted blooms, or choosing feature shrubs for a mixed border, these three standout varieties offer something unique for every style of garden.
Candlelight Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Candlelight’ is a hardy, sun-tolerant shrub with striking conical blooms that begin creamy white and deepen through soft pink tones as the season progresses. It’s vigorous yet well-behaved, making it ideal for gardens and large containers where you want impactful flower power from late summer into autumn. With lush foliage that also develops warm tones in cool weather, it’s both a spring and autumn standout in the landscape.
Runaway Bride Hydrangea
If you want a hydrangea that makes a dramatic yet elegant statement, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Runaway Bride’ is a top pick. This award-winning variety produces long, garland-like stems laden with crisp white blooms. Unlike many traditional hydrangeas, it doesn’t require pruning to maintain its beautiful form, flowering prolifically from late spring through to autumn. Its arching habit adds graceful structure to garden beds, hedges or large pots
Sundae Fraise Hydrangea
For a splash of changing colour, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sundae Fraise’ delivers show-stopping flowers that evolve from pale green to white and then to delicate shades of pink as the season unfolds. Compact and sun-friendly, it’s perfect for smaller gardens or mixed plantings where a performance shrub is needed without taking over. Its medium water needs and manageable size make this variety a reliable and rewarding choice.
General Care Tips for Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas thrive in moist, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering, particularly in dry, warm conditions. Where possible, water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. A balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring helps support robust growth and abundant flowering. Most hydrangeas appreciate a position with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, though paniculata types like Candlelight and Sundae Fraise tend to be more sun-tolerant. Deadheading spent blooms encourages tidier growth and can improve appearance through the season.