Limelight Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular shrubs, growing in shady areas in a wide range of gardens and bringing color and interest late in the season, when most other plants have finished flowering. However, the popular Mophead Hydrangeas, with their pink or blue flowers, are only hardy to zone 5, so northern gardeners have for a long time relied on the panicle hydrangea instead. This hardy plant has two problems – it grows into a large shrub, sometimes too big for modern gardens, and it only comes in white.

The challenge of producing more color choices in panicle hydrangeas was taken up by plant breeders and now we can offer gardeners in the north the Limelight Hydrangea. This is a great, hardy hydrangea which goes through a kaleidoscope of colors as the seasons come and go. It begins in early summer with creamy-white flowers, which then turn a delicious shade of chartreuse-green – a real ‘flower-arrangers’ color adored by decorators too. As the cooler nights of fall begin it turns wonderful shades of pinks and rose tones, before becoming wintry beige, just as the leaves join the party with a great fall display in many shades of red.

Growing Limelight Hydrangeas

The Limelight Hydrangea grows into a bushy shrub 6 to 8 feet tall and as much across. The oval green leaves are 4 inches long, or sometimes more, with soft teeth along the edges. In fall they turn beautiful shades of red before falling for the winter. The flower heads are large, between 6 and 18 inches long, depending on how you prune your plant. They open a cream color, but turn chartreuse-green in later summer, before turning pink and rose in fall. Once the flowers have turned pink they can be cut and hung up to dry. They make wonderful winter decorations for the house, and will stay attractive for months and months.

Planting Location

Plant your Limelight Hydrangea in a sunny or partially shaded location. It will grow in most kinds of soil, and benefits from lots of organic material dug into the soil when planting, as well as added each spring as mulch. This plant enjoys plenty of water and is not very drought-resistant, but do not plant it in a spot where the soil is constantly wet.

Pruning

Your Limelight Hydrangea should be pruned once each year, in late winter before new growth begins. Some people like to produce very large flower heads, up to 18 inches in length. To do this remove all the thinner stems, leaving just a framework of a few thick stems. Cut these back to 12 – 18 inches long. Strong new shoots will appear, each one topped with a large flower head.

Once the stems become older and thicker, continue to remove any weak growth, but now the thick shoots produced in the previous year should be cut back to about 6 inches long. Plants that are pruned less will produce more flowers, but the heads will be smaller. Do not trim new shoots during the summer when they have leaves, as you will cut off the developing flowers.

History and Origins of the Limelight Hydrangea

The panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a shrub native to China and Japan, which can grow into a small tree as much as 20 feet tall, although it is usually smaller. The wild plant has flowers which are not very conspicuous, but a form that originated in Japan was introduced into Europe and North America in the 1870’s.

Hydrangeas have two kinds of flowers – small, fertile ones that make seeds but have no petals, and large, sterile ones that make petals but no seeds. These are mixed together in the flower heads and wild flowers mostly have the small fertile flowers, so they are not very showy. However, this new Japanese form had mostly sterile flowers, making large flower heads. This is the common PG hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’) which is often seen in older gardens and parks. The flowers are plain white and the plant grows large. The Limelight Hydrangea is a much-improved form of this plant which was developed in Holland and introduced into North America in 2002.

Not only does this variety grow into a much more compact bush, reaching perhaps 8 feet in height, but the flowers go through great color changes as they develop, so that your bush will look different almost every day you look at it. It is easy to control the form and height of this plant with pruning. You can develop one or a few main stems, with branches higher up, like a small tree, or keep it bushier and shorter by encouraging new growth from lower down on the plant. You should give you plant a couple of seasons to become established, but once it begins to produce strong, thick stems, then you can begin to prune it to your personal taste.

Buying Limelight Hydrangeas at The Tree Center

So special is this plant that it is protected by a patent, so only certain growers can reproduce it. They take stems from correctly named plants and root them, to produce top grade plants. The Limelight Hydrangea is nothing like the common PG Hydrangea, so avoid cheaper substitutes, which in no way match the great features of this plant. The Limelight Hydrangea has taken the gardening world by storm, so although we have a large stock, we expect equally large orders. To ensure you can enjoy this plant for years in your garden, order now to avoid disappointment.

What makes the Limelight Hydrangea different from other hydrangeas?

The Limelight Hydrangea is unique among hydrangeas for its hardiness, able to thrive even in Zone 3. It produces large, dramatic flowers that transition from cream to chartreuse to rose as the season progresses. Unlike many other hydrangeas, it flowers late in the season, providing color and interest when other plants have finished flowering. It’s also versatile in terms of light requirements, growing easily in both sun and partial shade. Perhaps most notably, the Limelight Hydrangea is known for its changing colors throughout the seasons, offering a dynamic display of beauty in your garden.

How should I care for my Limelight Hydrangea during the winter?

The Limelight Hydrangea is a hardy plant that can withstand winter conditions. However, it does require some care to ensure its health and vitality. One of the key tasks is pruning, which should be done once each year in late winter, before new growth begins. This helps to encourage strong, healthy growth in the spring and can also help to shape the plant and control its size. Aside from this, the Limelight Hydrangea doesn’t require any special winter care. As with any plant, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on it and address any issues as they arise.

Can I use the Limelight Hydrangea for flower arrangements?

Absolutely! The Limelight Hydrangea is an excellent choice for flower arrangements. Its large, dramatic flowers not only look stunning in the garden, but also make beautiful additions to bouquets and arrangements. One of the great things about these flowers is that they can be picked and dried, allowing you to enjoy their beauty for months on end. They make particularly wonderful winter decorations for the house, adding a touch of natural beauty and color during the colder months.

What kind of soil does the Limelight Hydrangea prefer?

The Limelight Hydrangea is not particularly fussy about soil type and will grow in any well-drained soil. However, it does benefit from the addition of organic material to the soil. This can help to improve soil structure, increase nutrient content, and enhance the soil’s ability to hold onto water, all of which can contribute to healthier, more vigorous growth. You can add organic material to the soil when planting your Limelight Hydrangea, and it’s also a good idea to add a layer of organic mulch each spring to help feed the soil and maintain moisture levels.

How big will my Limelight Hydrangea get?

The Limelight Hydrangea is a medium-sized shrub that typically grows to a height and spread of 6 to 8 feet. However, its size can be somewhat controlled with pruning. By pruning your Limelight Hydrangea each year in late winter, you can help to shape the plant and control its size. This makes it a versatile choice for a variety of garden spaces, from small urban gardens to larger landscapes.

What kind of pests or diseases should I watch out for with my Limelight Hydrangea?

The Limelight Hydrangea is a hardy plant that is generally quite resistant to pests and diseases. However, as with any plant, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Some common pests that can affect hydrangeas include aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Diseases to watch out for include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, it’s important to take action quickly to address the issue and protect the health of your plant.

Can I grow Limelight Hydrangea in a pot?

While it’s certainly possible to grow a Limelight Hydrangea in a pot, keep in mind that this is a fairly large shrub that can reach a height and spread of 6 to 8 feet. Therefore, it would require a very large pot and would likely need regular pruning to keep its size in check. If you do decide to grow a Limelight Hydrangea in a pot, make sure to provide it with a well-drained soil mix and regular watering, as potted plants tend to dry out more quickly than those in the ground.

How often should I water my Limelight Hydrangea?

The Limelight Hydrangea enjoys plenty of water and is not very drought-resistant, so it’s important to provide it with regular watering. The exact frequency will depend on a number of factors, including the weather, the size of the plant, and the type of soil it’s growing in. As a general rule, it’s better to water deeply and less frequently, as this encourages the plant to develop a deep root system. Always check the soil before watering – if the top inch or so of soil is dry, it’s time to water.

When is the best time to plant a Limelight Hydrangea?

The best time to plant a Limelight Hydrangea is in the spring or fall, when the weather is cooler and the plant is less likely to be stressed by heat or drought. This gives the plant a chance to establish its root system before the hot summer weather or cold winter conditions. However, as a hardy plant, the Limelight Hydrangea can be planted at other times of the year as long as it is given appropriate care. Always remember to water thoroughly after planting and provide regular water until the plant is established.