Growing a Limelight Hydrangea
Growing a Limelight Hydrangea can be a beautiful and easy addition to just about any garden. They're one of the hardiest varieties of hydrangea available, and can tolerate wind and cold temperatures even in USDA Zone 3. They can grow up to eight feet tall, and their oversized, abundant flowers are creamy white to light green during the spring and summer, but turn a dark pink in the fall. Their dainty flowers pair nicely with other kinds of plants and make beautiful bouquets and arrangements when cut. Follow these tips to ensure your Limelight Hydrangea produces abundant and healthy growth.
Planting and Watering
Since Limelight Hydrangeas can grow to be quite large, you'll want to properly space them if you're planting more than one or planting them near other plants. Space them about four to six feet apart, and be sure your soil is well-drained. Though they can tolerate some shade, Limelight Hydrangeas produce more blooms if planted in an area with full sun. Most hydrangeas will change color depending on the pH level of the soil, but Limelight Hydrangeas remain relatively unaffected, meaning you won't have to worry about their color changing if you don't want it to. Be sure to water your Limelight Hydrangeas regularly: they're thirsty plants that don't tolerate drought well, and their foliage dries up quickly.
Pruning
It's important to prune your Limelight Hydrangea, but you should do so at the right time. Prune it back in the late winter or early spring when it's dormant. If you want to maintain your hydrangea's size, prune it back only a little. If you're looking to make your hydrangea smaller, it's all right to prune it back to its last pair of buds if it has established growth for at least a year. Not only will pruning the plant help to maintain its size, it will also help promote vibrant new growth.
