Hydrangea paniculata ‘Candlelight’

The Hydrangea 'Candlelight' trained into tree form is one of the most luminous choices for a memorial tree. Through midsummer, it produces enormous cone-shaped flower heads in soft creamy white - almost glowing in evening light, which is where its name comes from. As the season turns, those blooms blush gradually to warm shades of pink and rose, drying beautifully on the branch and persisting well into winter. Long associated with sincerity and heartfelt emotion, the Hydrangea speaks to feelings that are often too deep for words. Planted in remembrance, it honours a life with the same quiet radiance it inspired.

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Flower Colour: Creamy white to soft ivory in early summer, deepens to warm blush-pink in late summer and fall

Foliage Colour: Green; soft yellow in fall

Growth: Moderate to moderately fast

Height: 2.5 m

Spread: 2.0 m

Shape: Rounded canopy atop a single clear trunk (standard form)

Soil: Moist, well drained

Pruning: Late winter or early fall (blooms on new wood)

Location: ‘Candlelight’ is best placed where moments happen - where someone sits with coffee, walks past daily, or looks out a window. It is a tree meant for reflection at close range, not distant admiration.