In the heat of summer, when even the viburnum are beginning to flag, ‘Limelight Hydrangea’ seems to hang in there, reviving the garden with softball sized cones of pistachio colored, floral bundles. The display continues on into the fall when the flowers gradually blush to a rich, deep pink. Fast growing, ‘Limelight’ makes a shrub 7′ tall, and like all the Paniculata Hydrangeas, it is outstandingly cold hardy, over-wintering successfully in USDA Zone 3.
Although ‘Limelight’ can tolerate the heat, they do best in partial shade and may struggle in full sun when the temperatures press into the 90’s. Most Hydrangeas thrive in rich, porous, slightly moist soils and Limelight are no different. Add compost to enrich poor soil. They prefer full sun in the morning, with some afternoon shade; however, many will grow and bloom in partial shade.
Because all Paniculata Hydrangeas bloom on new growth, they typically flower normally even if the twigs have been killed back by frost. Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot; some early afternoon shade is beneficial in hot southern regions. Prune in late winter or early spring.
Hydrangea is a valuable genus of some 100 species of shrubs and vines grown for their large and very showy flower heads. Hydrangeas are at their best in summer and fall—a quiet time for most woody plants—and are worth having for that reason alone.
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