Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

'Limelight' is a cultivar of the panicle hydrangea, a perennial, woody, deciduous shrub or small tree in the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). The parent plant is native to eastern and southern China, Japan, and Sakhalin and Kuril Islands. The name hydrangea is derived from Greek and Latin and taken to mean water vessel, in reference to the "cup-like form of the seed-capsule."

Give 'Limelight' plenty of room as it will easily reach a height between 6 to 8 feet when mature. Unique, light-chartreuse blooms appear in late summer and fade into a rich deep pink. This hardy introduction from Holland has reliable flower heads ranging from 6 to 12 inches in length. The blossoms make attractive fresh bouquets or dried arrangements. This cultivar has stronger stems than most Hydrangea and can hold up the large flowers even after heavy rain.

Like all hydrangeas, 'Limelight' prefers good loamy soil with modest amounts of soil moisture. When established, this selection will tolerate brief periods of drought. Grow it in full sun to light shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is preferred. They are shallow-rooted and will benefit from a 2 to 3 inch layer of compost or mulch. Soil pH does not affect bloom color. It can be severely pruned in late winter or spring as it blooms on the current season's new growth, not on the woody stems formed during the previous year.

If you prefer a more compact variety, the cultivar 'Little Lime' has many of the same characteristics and grows half as tall as 'Limelight'. Both these varieties bloom on the current season's growth and are not troubled by late-season frosts. 

This shrub is winter hardy, tolerates, heat, humidity, salt, and thrives in urban conditions. Consider 'Limelight' for an Asian, cutting, or butterfly-themed garden. Or plant it in a cottage, courtyard, or in a shaded woodland garden. Planted in groups it works well as a border or hedge but is also delightful as a single specimen. 

Quick ID Hints:

• opposite serrate leaves, whorled at branch tips
• large, cone-shaped inflorescence
• stout stem, reddish-brown streaked with gray

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and mites occasionally visit but are rarely a problem. Some susceptibility to leaf spot, rust, mildew, bud blight, and bacterial wilt. It is susceptible to damage by deer and has brittle stems that are easily wind damaged.

More information on Hydrangea paniculata.