Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' (Panicle Hydrangea)

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' is one of the most famous hydrangeas for the home landscape, and is the recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as the Gold Medal Award from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Originally native to southeastern Asia, Hydrangea paniculata is well-regarded for its status as a large shrub, as well as its showy panicles of white and green flowers during the summer months. Selected for consistency in size, sturdiness, and showier flowers than the wild species, the 'Limelight' variety grows to a mature size of 6-8' tall and wide, working wonderfully as a large border planting, specimen shrub, or accent for woodland margin areas. Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' produces blooms that emerge cream white to lime green in mid-summer and maintain that color for a few weeks before transitioning to bubblegum pink and white; blooms eventually finish a darker pink-red hue in the later summer months before fading to an attractive dried beige in the fall, all while attracting beneficial bees and other pollinators. 

Performing best in average, medium-moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, 'Limelight' panicle hydrangea is a hardy and versatile choice for the home garden, with tolerance of drought, heat, salinity, and nutrient-poor clay soils. As a new-wood hydrangea type, 'Limelight' is best pruned in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and more profuse flowering. Like all hydrangeas, when summer flowers begin to fade, dried flower heads add a ton of multi-season interest through the fall and winter, and dried blooms look great in cut flower arrangements too!

(Photos courtesy of Proven Winners.)