Limelight hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ PP12874) has become so popular in the past decade that many refer to it simply as Limelight. It is a large cultivar, reaching 8 feet tall and wide, and may be too large for a smaller landscape.
Limelight (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ PP12874) towers above Distyliums and Hostas.
Ginger Long, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Many new cultivars of panicle hydrangeas have been bred in recent years. These new cultivars give you the same flower power but in a more compact size. They can be planted as short hedges that provide privacy without blocking the view. Due to their smaller size, they can be planted under windows as foundation plants, in containers, or as a specimen. Here are a few of my favorites:
Medium-sized Cultivars
Limelight Prime ® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPPH’ PP32,511) grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. It differs from Limelight in that it blooms earlier, and it has stronger stems for holding up those large flower heads.
A hedge of Limelight Prime® (Hydrangea paniculata SMNHPPH’ PP32,511) is very showy in the landscape.
Ginger Long, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Strawberry Sundae ® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Rensun’ PP25,438 ) matures at 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. As the flowers age, they will show some pink.
White Wedding ® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘LeeP1’ PP28973) grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. It has bright white flowers on very sturdy stems.
The bright white flowers of White Wedding® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘LeeP1’ PP28973) make great cut flowers.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Small-sized Cultivars
Bobo® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘ILVOBO’ PP22,782) is 3 feet tall by 3.5 feet wide. It can be grown in containers and blooms earlier than other varieties.
The flowers of Bobo® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘ILVOBO’ PP22,782) cover the whole plant in summer.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Firelight Tidbit® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPK’ PP32,512) grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It is a great container plant, as it is one of the smallest panicle hydrangeas available now.
Little Hottie ® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bailpanone’ PP32,549) reaches 3 to 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide. Plants are covered in flowers from top to bottom. Bred in Georgia, it has excellent heat tolerance.
Little Hottie® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bailpanone’ PP32,549) was bred in Georgia for heat tolerance.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Little Lime® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’ PP22,320) grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Blooms emerge lime green and turn creamy white.
The blooms on Little Lime® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’ PP22,320) emerge lime green and turn creamy white.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Panicle hydrangeas are marketed as turning from white to pink as the flowers age from late summer to fall. In the southeast, our nighttime temperatures are much higher than those further north, and frequently, the blooms are only pink for a short time, if at all.
Panicle hydrangeas tolerate more sun than other hydrangea species and thrive in the morning sun and afternoon shade. They bloom in summer starting in June after the blue and pink flowers of mophead (Hydrangea macrophylla) hydrangeas fade.
Unlike mophead hydrangeas that bloom on the last season’s growth, panicle hydrangeas bloom on the new season’s growth. This means you will not lose the flowers to a late freeze. The best time to prune them is late winter to early spring. Look for new buds that are starting to swell and make your cuts right above those buds. When pruning, only remove 30 to 40 percent to create a sturdy framework for supporting the blooms.
Native to Asia, panicle hydrangeas are very cold hardy, growing in zones 3 through 8. Plant them in well-drained soil. Water them once a week, if needed, during the hottest and driest summer months. Have your soil tested to determine what type of fertilizer to use.
For more information, see HGIC 1652, Soil Testing and HGIC 1067, Hydrangea.
