Description
*AWARD WINNER*
Common Name: Panicle hydrangea, ‘Limelight’
Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a rapid-growing, upright, and somewhat coarsely textured, deciduous shrub. It can be trained as a small single trunk tree, but it is best grown as a large, multi-stemmed shrub. This is one of the most winter hardy of the hydrangeas and thrives in urban conditions. Bloom occurs on current season’s growth from mid summer into fall. In full bloom, the weight of the flower panicles will typically cause the branches to arch downward.
Now enter the legend, ‘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 fall 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.
Size: 4″ Potted Plant (1 quart)
Height: 6.0-8.0’
Spread: 6.0-8.0’
Flower Description: Flowers form as long panicles (upright and broad cone-like structures up to 12” long) that contain both fertile and sterile florets, but ‘Limelight’ produces mostly the showy sterile ones. Flowers emerge lime green and as the blooms age, they turn to hues of cream, pink, red and burgundy. Panicles may be cut for fresh arrangements or for drying.
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun. Does best in full sun.
Soil Type: Best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils.
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10
Attributes: Long Bloom, Prolific Flowering, Showy Flowers, Colour Change, Deer Resistant, Fall Interest, Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers, Attracts Butterflies
2010 Winner of the Plant of Merit Award (U. Georgia)
2007 Winner of the Knock Your Socks Off Award (U. Georgia)
Care: Easy Care, Drought Resistant, Pruning as needed in late winter to early spring, Mulch to reduce water loss
