Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'
Limelight Peegee Hydrangea
China, Japan, Korea, Russian Far East (species); 'Limelight' introduced by Pieter Zwijnenburg Jr., Netherlands, circa 2002
Overview
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' is a panicle hydrangea growing 72–96 inches (180–240 cm / 6–8 feet) tall and wide. Large conical flower panicles 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) from midsummer through fall — the panicles open lime-green, mature to cream-white, then age through pink to burgundy over 10–12 weeks. The multi-stage color transition is the cultivar feature. Dark green ovate opposite leaves 3–6 inches (7–15 cm). In the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae spp.). H. paniculata flowers on new wood (current-season growth) — prune hard in early spring and the plant produces flowers the same summer. This contrasts with H. macrophylla, which flowers on old wood and is damaged by late-spring pruning. Soil pH does not affect flower color in H. paniculata (unlike the blue/pink pH response in H. macrophylla). The dried panicles persist through winter as tan to burgundy structural elements. 'Little Lime' is a compact sport (36–48 inches / 90–120 cm) for smaller spaces. Introduced circa 2002 by Pieter Zwijnenburg Jr. in the Netherlands. Hardy to zone 3 — substantially hardier than H. macrophylla (zone 5–6). Consistent moisture — wilts in drought but recovers. All Hydrangea spp. parts contain cyanogenic glycosides — mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Full sun to partial shade. Zones 3–9. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
The species H. paniculata is native to China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East. 'Limelight' was introduced circa 2002 by Pieter Zwijnenburg Jr. in the Netherlands.Suggested Uses
Grown in borders and as specimens in zones 3–9. The lime-green to burgundy panicle color transition over 10–12 weeks is the cultivar feature. Flowers on new wood. 'Little Lime' for compact spaces. Hardy to zone 3. Mildly toxic to pets.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread6' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lime-green opening to cream-white, aging to pink then burgundy; large conical panicles 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)Foliage Description
Dark green, ovate, 3-6 inches (7-15 cm), opposite, coarsely serratedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade. Flowers on new wood — prune hard in early spring. Soil pH does not affect color. Consistent moisture. Hardy to zone 3 (hardier than H. macrophylla). Mildly toxic to pets. Zones 3–9.Pruning
Prune hard in early spring (March) — cut back to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) or to a framework of 2–3 buds per stem. Flowers on new wood (current-season growth). Hard pruning produces fewer but larger panicles. Light pruning produces more but smaller panicles. Remove dried winter panicles during the spring cutback.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons