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Lemon Daddy Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lemon Daddy'

Other Common Name(s):

This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

‘Lemon Daddy’ hydrangea is a woody, deciduous shrub with a rounded, multi-stemmed form and yellow to chartreuse foliage. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. It is in the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). 

‘Lemon Daddy’ requires a site that receives partial shade or dappled sunlight and soil that is high in organic matter and moist but well drained. A cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla, ‘Lemon Daddy’ has white flowers that mature to either light pink or blue depending on the acidity of the soil. Blue flowers develop when the soil is more acidic and pink flowers develop when the soil is more alkaline. Flowers bloom on old and new wood so repeat blooming occurs throughout the summer.

Its size makes it ideal for small spaces and patio landscapes. It is useful as a specimen or accent plant in Asian, cottage, cutting, English, or shade gardens. And it can also be used as a border, hedge, or foundation planting. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. 


VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Hydrangea macrophylla.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Hydrangeas in the Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#specimen#pink flowers#deciduous shrub#blue flowers#showy leaves#dappled shade#summer flowers#deer browsing plant#foundation planting#border planting#dried arrangements#partial shade tolerant#hedge#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#specimen#pink flowers#deciduous shrub#blue flowers#showy leaves#dappled shade#summer flowers#deer browsing plant#foundation planting#border planting#dried arrangements#partial shade tolerant#hedge#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hydrangea
    Species:
    macrophylla
    Family:
    Hydrangeaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Multi-stemmed
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Dried
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Up to 12-inch across rounded clusters of 4 petaled flowers that mature to pink or blue depending on soil pH. Blooms mid to late summer.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Broadly ovate 4- 5.5 inch yellow to chartreuse leaves with serrated margins
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
    Bark Description:
    Smooth brown bark
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    English Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Specimen
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    nausea, sweating, vomiting
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    hydracyanosides (cyanogenic glycosides).
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Stems