About 4 years ago, I planted a wonderful shrub near the lawn, which pleases with large flowers in the summer and early autumn. Hydrangea is so unpretentious that caring for it does not require much effort or special knowledge. This garden bush has simply gorgeous flowering that will not leave anyone indifferent.
I am pleased to share information with you about what this plant is, how to plant it correctly and care for it. And photos and videos will help you better understand all the intricacies of growing this decorative flower.
The history of this shrub is quite interesting: in the 18th century, the French scientist Philibert Commerson, who gave the name to the flowers - Hydrangea, accidentally discovered bushes with huge white flowers in Japan.
The plant belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. Currently, there are about 80 species, which also includes the paniculate subspecies.
Hydrangea paniculata "Limelight" (limelight) also has the following names: Hydrangea, Hydrangea Limelight, Green or lemon hydrangea.
This variety was bred by botanist breeders from Holland and has several international awards: in 2006, Limelight was awarded by the Pennsylvania Society of Gardeners (USA), and in 2008 it was already a prize-winner of the Royal Society of Gardeners of Great Britain.
This shrub has a number of advantages that truly make it a favorite in home gardens. It looks great as a hedge and simply as an independent unit in any flower bed.
Experienced gardeners note this characteristic of the bush: those growing in the shade or partial shade have lime-colored blooms, and those that grow in the open sun delight the eye with lush white cone-shaped inflorescences, reaching a length of up to 25 cm.
The plant blooms until the end of September, but if planted in a quiet, windless place where there are also no drafts, it can maintain flowering until the second half of October.
Despite the fact that hydrangea is a fairly unpretentious plant, you still need to pay some attention and provide comfortable conditions for planting.
It is recommended to plant seedlings directly in a permanent place in the first ten days of May. It is better to wait until the night frosts are over. You shouldn't wait for hot weather either. Temperature changes can slow down the process of adaptation of the bush in a new place and slow down the growth process.
After planting a seedling, you need to learn how to properly care for it and provide comfortable conditions for its growth. Let's take a step-by-step look at what needs to be done.
The plant is quite unpretentious, but there are still some requirements:
You need to water the bushes depending on the air temperature: in the summer several times a week, in the off-season at least once every few weeks.
It is necessary to ensure that the soil is always moderately moist. Dry soil can deprive the bush of that lush flowering that we are waiting for.
It is necessary to feed and fertilize hydrangea. And you should start at the end of spring, when the bush is in the stage of active growth. During this period, nitrogen-containing fertilizers or mullein infusion are suitable. The plant begins to prepare for the flowering stage and grows well in green mass.
When the bush begins to bloom, phosphorus and potassium also need to be added. They contribute to the correct and rapid formation of inflorescences. You can also purchase special fertilizers for hydrangeas, which are purchased in specialized stores.
Hydrangea bushes are also formed using regular pruning of several types. Direct pruning to give the bush its shape is carried out in the spring, before flowering. Moreover, old branches should not be touched, because buds will form on them. And only young shoots are removed.
Selected shoots are shortened by one or two thirds. Branches that grow inside the bush are also removed. During sanitary pruning, old and dry shoots and inflorescences are removed from the bush. Whole and healthy branches are shortened by several buds.
Rejuvenating pruning is carried out for old bushes. Sometimes the entire crown under the root system is completely removed. Often no more than 5 - 6 healthy shoots are left, which are cut into 4 - 5 buds. The remaining branches are removed.
Hydrangea is considered a plant that winters well even at sub-zero temperatures. But young bushes should be protected from bad weather and cold for the first 2-3 years.
Bushes that are older than 3 years are not insulated. They already have enough strength to withstand bad weather and frost. If you support the seedlings in the first years of growth, then the hydrangea will not require special care.
If you want to plant this plant in a recreation area, you definitely won’t go wrong. Its wonderful white inflorescences lift your spirits and delight the eye. By following some recommendations and instructions, even a novice gardener can decorate his flower garden with Limelight paniculata hydrangea.
(Hydrangea paniculata "Limelight")
General characteristics
Shrub up to 2 m high and wide. The leaves are slightly velvety, wide, green, with a pronounced lilac autumn color. One of the best varieties of paniculate hydrangea, bred in Holland. This hydrangea does not require any stands or supports for them and perfectly retains the shape of the bush. According to many gardeners, Limelight is the most stable, reliable and beautiful variety of paniculate hydrangea.
Timing of flowering and fruit ripening
The plant is stunning with large, wide-conical, very densely packed, dense inflorescences, which have a rich yellowish-light green color that lasts quite a long time. And only towards the end of flowering a creamy pink tint appears. The inflorescences consist of almost only sterile flowers and reach 30 cm. It blooms profusely from early July to October and holds its inflorescences firmly on strong shoots.
Optimal growing conditions
Photophilous, tolerates partial shade. Winter-hardy. Demanding on the presence of moisture in the soil. Prefers fertile, loose, acidic soils. Does not tolerate lime in the soil. For abundant flowering in old plants, it is necessary to shorten the shoots by 2/3 annually (pruning should be done before the leaves begin to unfold). To avoid breaking off fragile branches, we recommend cutting off all inflorescences before the first snowfalls.
Reproduction methods and planting rules
Hydrangeas reproduce well by dividing the bush. It is carried out in spring or autumn. After planting, it is necessary to water abundantly, it is advisable to add a root former. Hydrangeas also take winter cuttings well.
Application
Extremely effective on the lawn and in standard form.
Hydrangea Limelight, belonging to the paniculate variety, is an unusually beautiful plant. This variety, obtained as a result of breeding work by Dutch specialists, is rightfully considered one of the best representatives of its species. Dutch flower growers have successfully solved the problem of insufficient strength of shoots of paniculate hydrangeas, so the Limelight variety can be successfully grown without using additional support for them. If all the rules are followed and careful care is taken, the Limelight hydrangea will become a real decoration of the summer garden.
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Limelight paniculata hydrangea (hydrangea paniculata Limelight) is described as a shrub reaching two meters in height. Over the course of a year, with careful care, growth can reach 30 cm. The dark green, ovoid leaves have a velvety texture. The foliage grows very densely and almost completely hides the strong shoots with peeling bark. In autumn, the leaves turn purple, which makes this hydrangea variety even more attractive.
This variety of paniculate hydrangea is called Limelight because of the characteristic coloring of the inflorescences. At the very beginning of flowering, the inflorescences are bright green, reminiscent of the color of lime. Then the color of the dense conical inflorescences lightens and acquires a soft lemon or pure white hue, and by the beginning of autumn the inflorescences become pinkish. Flowering of the Limelight variety begins in July and continues continuously until September. With proper care, the plant blooms very profusely. If grown in a place protected from drafts, this variety of shrubs will bloom until October.
This variety is quite shade tolerant and will grow in partial shade or even in a heavily shaded area. But in order for the flowering of the shrub to be abundant and long-lasting, you need to choose a well-lit area for planting, protected from drafts. Since hydrangeas are long-lived, you need to choose a place for planting so as not to replant the plant for several years. This is due to the fact that the widely growing root system of the shrub is inevitably injured during transplantation and after that the crop suffers for a long time.
The area where you plan to grow Limelight garden hydrangea must have fertile soil. The ideal option would be acidic black soil or thoroughly fertilized loam. Sandy or calcareous soils are not suitable for growing this plant; in such soil the shrub does not develop well and may die.
Most often, young plants are planted at the end of April or at the beginning of May, when the weather is warm and there is sufficient rain. At this time it is already warm, but there is still no sweltering summer heat, and the seedlings are well acclimatized.
For planting in open ground, you should select grown seedlings at the age of 2–3 years, then there is a high probability that flowering will occur this year. Landing is carried out as follows:
If necessary, you can plant Limelight hydrangea in the fall, but only if the winters in the region are quite warm.
Plants of this variety do not require complex care. It is only necessary to water the bush on time, feed it and regularly carry out sanitary pruning. The soil under the bush should be moist all the time, so watering should be regular, but not too abundant, so as not to flood the root system. If the summer is dry, it is necessary to water the entire bush from a watering can, simulating rain.
With timely moderate watering, hydrangea forms lush inflorescences. If there is not enough moisture, the flowers will be small and ugly.
An important part of care is timely feeding. Immediately after the snow melts, the first fertilizing is carried out using urea. The solution is prepared at the rate of 20 grams of fertilizer per 10 liters of water. Depending on its size, one bush will need from 20 to 30 liters of solution. This composition promotes active growth of shoots after winter dormancy.
During the period of bud formation, the shrub is fed with complex mineral fertilizers, diluted and used according to the instructions on the package.
Pruning is also an important step in caring for Limelight hydrangea. It is carried out in spring and autumn. After flowering ends, pruning is carried out, in which the plant is rid of drying inflorescences. This frees the bush from excess load.
In the spring, pruning is carried out, the purpose of which is to form full-fledged bushes. It is carried out as early as possible, before the bush wakes up and sap flow begins. First, they get rid of shoots that have frozen over the winter, cutting them to a healthy place. Then last year’s branches are cut off, leaving 4–5 buds on each of them. Lastly, the crown is thinned out by cutting off all the shoots growing inward.
Pruning hydrangeas in spring and autumn
To rejuvenate old hydrangeas, spring pruning “to the stump” is used. To do this, cut off all shoots completely. Since the Limelight variety blooms on young shoots, the inflorescences will bloom this summer. From young hydrangeas that have not yet reached 2 years of age, it is necessary to cut off the inflorescences while still in the budding phase. This stimulates the development of shoots.
Hydrangea Limelight on a trunk
Standard hydrangea is very rare among gardeners. This is due to the fact that it takes about three years to form a standard. In fact, such a plant in the form of a small tree looks very attractive. To obtain this look, only one shoot is left. After a few years, the lower part is covered with a thick layer of bark and no longer produces lateral shoots. The development of new branches occurs only in the upper part. The result is a small tree with a lush crown.
Hydrangea is one of the most beloved shrubs by gardeners. This beautifully flowering plant delights us with its bright colors from mid-summer to late autumn. Hydrangea comes in different varieties. Today, paniculata hydrangea of the “Limelight” variety is at the peak of popularity. Let's find out what it is.
The main difference of this variety is its strong shoots, which can easily withstand large inflorescences. This distinguishes “Limelight” from other varieties of hydrangea that need supports and stands. Garden shrub hydrangea "Limelight" perfectly holds the shape of the bush. In this case, the height of an adult plant is about 2 m, and the diameter of its crown is usually the same.
The color of this hydrangea variety is unique - it changes from bright green to pure white throughout the flowering period. By autumn, the inflorescences become soft pink. The dense foliage of the plant has a deep dark green color, and in the fall it turns purple.
Limelight hydrangeas are good for both single planting and mixed borders. In the first case, they can be planted at the entrance to the site or in the front garden if it faces the north side. As for hydrangea, it looks good in tandem with giant hostas or astilbe.
The best place for hydrangea is partial shade or shade - there it will not suffer from sunlight, which slows down its growth and causes the inflorescences to become smaller. Planting should be done in the spring, after the threat of night frosts has passed. Loosen the soil, add organic and mineral fertilizers to it for better plant development, and after planting, mulch with sawdust, peat or pine needles.
Limelight hydrangea should be watered abundantly - the bush should 
get about 2 buckets of water per week. In this case, it is advisable to take rainwater or at least settled water.
Feeding is also needed. Typically, specialized fertilizers are used for heathers, rhododendrons or azaleas. Be careful with ash and nitrogen fertilizers - with their use, the winter hardiness of the Limelight hydrangea may decrease, and the turgor of the stems may become less.
In the spring, do not forget about thinning pruning, and during the summer, periodically remove faded inflorescences as they dry out. Paniculata hydrangea variety "Limelight" is propagated by cuttings and dividing the bush.
Hydrangea is valued by gardeners for its comparative unpretentiousness and long flowering time. One of its varieties - Limelight hydrangea - was bred by breeders recently, but in a short period it won many awards and prizes at various flower exhibitions.
Hydrangea grows as a shrub up to 3 m in height, a small tree or a vine climbing trees. It can be deciduous or evergreen. Most hydrangeas grown in gardens are deciduous.
Flowers come in two types: spherical and panicle-shaped. The buds contain 2 types of flowers: fertile, growing in the middle, and sterile, located at the edges. Infertile ones are usually larger in size. It happens that all fruiting flowers are the same size. The fruit of hydrangea is a capsule with several chambers containing small seeds.
The leaves of the plant are oppositely located, large, oval with a slight point towards the top. The veins are clearly visible on the leaf blade with a jagged edge.
Hydrangea Limelight
Additional Information! Depending on the types of fertilizers applied, hydrangea can change the color of the buds: phosphorus gives it a pink color, aluminum gives it a blue color.
Hydrangea paniculata, which includes the Limelight variety, is distinguished by its large size. In temperate climates, its height reaches 2.5 m. Limelight, bred by Dutch breeders, grows up to 2 m in height and has a crown of the same diameter. In addition, a smaller copy of it was created - the Little Lime hydrangea.
Flower growers from Holland were given the task of breeding a shrub with strong stems that is frost-resistant - and they coped with it perfectly. Hydrangea Limelight does not need supports because it has strong shoots that can withstand the weight of large inflorescences.
Hydrangea blooms in mid-summer with bright green buds (lime color). Gradually it becomes soft lemon or white. Flowering ends in the second half of September. By this time, the inflorescences acquire a pink color.
Reproduction
Hydrangea paniculata Limelight propagates by seeds or cuttings. Since its seeds are small, the soil is prepared carefully. A site is selected with light, fertile soil, which is dug to a depth of 25 cm. Then the area is well leveled.
Seeds can be sown in spring and autumn. If sowing is done in the spring, the seeds are stratified: they are kept for 30 days at a temperature of 3-4°C. Sowing is done in lines, the distance between which is 10-12 cm.
The seeds are left on the surface of the soil without being buried inside. When sowing in spring, you can spray it with a spray bottle to make contact with the soil. In autumn, they will go deeper into the ground on their own after the snow melts. There is no need to mulch them, since tender shoots under mulch can rot. You can shade the beds with burlap or shields.
The shading is removed by mid-August, at the same time the seedlings are mulched with sawdust or peat. In the spring, young plants are planted according to a 10x10 cm pattern. By autumn, the seedlings reach approximately 40 cm, at this stage they can be planted in a permanent place.
The best time to take cuttings is July. They are cut in the morning and planted the same day. Rooting is done under film cover.
Propagation of hydrangea by cuttings step by step:
After about 2-3 weeks, the cuttings will take root. After this, the shading and film are removed. In late autumn, seedlings are covered with foliage in a layer of up to 15 cm, covered with film and shields on top. In the spring, seedlings are planted according to a 15x15 cm pattern. A year later, the grown hydrangea plants are planted in a permanent place.
Planting and caring for Limelight hydrangea in open ground
The soil on which hydrangea will constantly grow must be loose, fertile, and moist. The plant should be located away from trees and large shrubs. Since hydrangea has a shallow root system, large neighbors will take away water and nutrients from it.
The bushes are planted in a sunny place or in partial shade at a distance of 1.5 m from each other. The territory must be protected from northern winds. Holes for planting are dug 60x60x40 cm in size. Garden soil is mixed with humus, and a little complex mineral fertilizer is added. Hydrangea is planted in this soil mixture.
The root collar is not buried: it must remain at soil level. After planting the seedling, the soil around it is slightly compacted and watered abundantly. After this, the planting site is mulched with peat or sawdust.
Hydrangea paniculata Lime light is a moisture-loving plant, so it needs to be watered often. 2-3 buckets of water are poured under each bush at least once a week.
Note! With abundant watering, the inflorescences will be lush, with insufficient watering, they will be small and ugly.
The application of various fertilizers is a prerequisite for the growth and flowering of the bush. In spring, fertilizing is done with complex fertilizers (approximately 30-35 g per plant). When the hydrangea begins to bloom, fertilize with nitrogen fertilizers (for example, 15-20 g of urea). In the same way, hydrangea is fertilized in mid-summer.
At the end of August the last feeding is done. It consists of a mixture of superphosphate (60-80 g) and potassium salt (40-45 g) for each plant. Organic matter is added once every 2-3 years.
The soil must be periodically loosened and cleared of weeds. These procedures will improve air access to the roots and help retain moisture. You need to loosen shallowly, taking into account the superficial root system of hydrangea. This variety of hydrangea is winter hardy, so an adult plant does not need to be covered for the winter.
In paniculate hydrangea Lemon lime, inflorescences form on the shoots of the current year. In the fall, all its buds are cut out. In the spring, before the buds awaken, old, broken branches are cut out, and 6-12 of the strongest are left. Old shoots are cut into a ring, and strong shoots are shortened by 3-4 pairs of buds. This procedure will promote more luxuriant flowering.
If you cut out all the shoots and leave only one, you can form a hydrangea in the form of a tree - a trunk. Its branches develop only in the upper part. They will also need to be shortened periodically. If the plant is trimmed correctly, the result is a small tree with a lush crown.
Hydrangea can be affected by diseases associated with improper care, as well as fungal and viral diseases. Let's look at some of them:
Aphids, spider mites, and snails can cause harm to hydrangeas. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, taking away its vitality, and can also carry viruses. The spider mite reveals itself by the presence of a marbled pattern and cobwebs on the leaf. Over time, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. Various insecticides are used to control pests.
Snails can destroy young seedlings as they feed on tender leaves and stems. You can get rid of them by collecting them manually or by placing containers with special preparations near the plants.
Hydrangea Lime is used both individually and for group plantings in flower beds and lawns. Looks beautiful in composition with conifers and ornamental shrubs. It also looks impressive with perennial flowering plants: irises, lilies, peonies. Flowering bushes will serve as decoration for fences and various buildings.
In spring, hydrangea only increases its green mass and is not yet very attractive, so you can plant bulbous plants that bloom during this period: daffodils, muscari, tulips, crocuses, hyacinths.
Hydrangeas will be a beautiful green space in the background for low-growing plants and in the front for taller trees and shrubs. If the gardener’s territory does not allow him to grow such a large shrub, a more compact variety is available for sale - Little Lime hydrangea. This is a bush up to 1 m high.
Additional Information: Hydrangea is also used as a cut plant, in winter bouquets in the form of dried flowers, and preserved in glycerin.
By planting Little lime or tall hydrangea paniculata on your property, the gardener will acquire a beautiful planting that will delight him with its unusual flowering for many years. Not every plant is able to start flowering with a soft green tint, continue with a lemon tint, and end with a pink tint.
