Limelight Hydrangea

The myth, the legend, the plant: 'Limelight' hydrangea. This unique panicle hydrangea revolutionized landscaping across North America. Huge, football-shaped flowers open in an elegant celadon green that looks fresh and clean in summer's heat. The blooms age to an array of pink, red, and burgundy which persists through frost for months of irresistible flowers. You can use 'Limelight' hydrangea just about any way you can imagine: as a showy flowering hedge, to screen off air conditioners, as an attention-getting specimen, in containers, flower gardens, or anywhere around your home. A long-time favorite of professional florists, it also makes an excellent cut flower, fresh or dried. Top three reasons to grow 'Limelight' hydrangea:- It's a time-tested classic that graces the yards of thousands of homes across North America- Large flowers have a unique color that looks great with any style and color of house.- Blooms every year, even in cold climates - winter doesn't faze it at all.

Limelight Hydrangea Care

Limelight hydrangea is popular because it requires very little maintenance, is easy to grow, and has no serious problems. Limelight hydrangeas make a good landscape specimen plant but they do need room to spread. The shrub does not like to compete with other plants at its base so it's best to avoid planting aggressive ground cover plants around them (like vinca). Give them a good natural mulch like shredded pine bark.

Light

The ideal amount of sunlight depends on your climate. In warm climates, it is best to choose a planting location with partial sun in the morning and not afternoon, as hot afternoon sun in the summer can cause the blooms to dry out. If you live in a colder zone, you can plant your hydrangea in full sun, but avoid a windy spot.

Soil

Hydrangeas in general prefer rich, well-drained soil. For paniculata hydrangeas, a slightly acidic with a pH between 6.1-7.0 works well. Unlike other hydrangea types, the soil pH does not affect Limelight's bloom color.3 If the shallow roots become exposed over time, add more soil and compost to keep them protected.

Water

Hydrangeas have moderate watering needs once they are established. They do best in evenly moist soil. In a dry spell, give your hydrangea a good deep watering once or twice a week as needed to mimic rainfall.

Temperature and Humidity

This is a very hardy variety of hydrangea that can withstand winters down to USDA zone 3. However, it's best to plant it where it won't be vulnerable to damage from high winds. Hydrangeas don't require any special humidity conditions. A muggy hot summer day may cause blooms to droop a bit.

Fertilizer

Hydrangeas benefit from light fertilization. Apply a granular flower food fertilizer in the spring, and again in late summer. For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions. Alternatively, some composted manure as a top dressing in autumn is also a good way to feed hydrangeas and keep roots healthy.

Proven Winners https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/limelight-panicle-hydrangea-hydrangea-paniculata

PEG ALOI "How to Grow and Care for Limelight Hydrangea " The Spuce https://www.thespruce.com/limelight-hydrangea-plant-profile-4843269  Updated on 09/08/22

Specifications

Family: Hydrangea Paniculata 

Height: 6 to 8 ft

Width: 6 to 8 ft

Maintenance: Low

Light: Sun with Afternoon Shade

Growing Zone: 3a-9a

Flower Color: Light green

Fun Facts

1. Award-winning plant that grows across the entire United States

2. These are perfect for cut flower arrangements, either fresh or dried

3. A dwarf variety called Little Lime Hydrangea is half the overall size

4. Large long-lasting blooms last Summer-Fall