Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’

Incredibly popular, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ is a robust, upright, and spreading deciduous shrub boasting huge, luxuriant conical flowers up to 6-12 in. long (15-30 cm). Held upright on sturdy stems, they are well distributed, making a very attractive plant and display. As an added bonus, they change color as they mature, gradually turning from lime-green to creamy white in late summer to a rich, deep pink before finally fading to beige in fall. As the flower show fades, the oval, dark green leaves turn to lovely shades of red for a breathtaking autumn display. Persisting well into winter, the panicles provide additional winter interest.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and the Gold Medal Award of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
• Grows with an upright rounded habit to 6-8 feet tall (180-240 cm).
• Performs best in sun to partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Afternoon shade in hot summer climates is recommended.
• Easy-to-grow plant with reliable flowering and flower color regardless of soil PH.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic summer blooms, in front of walls, fences, taller shrubs, and trees. Great for city gardens, cottage gardens, or as a flowering hedge. Panicles may be cut for fresh arrangements or drying.
• Best if pruned back in late winter or early spring. Blooms occur on the current season’s growth, ensuring reliable flowering.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Watch for botrytis blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, rust, mildew.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
• Hydrangea paniculata species is native to southern and eastern China, Korea, Japan, and Russia.
• Foliage can aggravate skin allergies. Mild stomach upset is possible if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.