Limelight Hydrangea (Photo by Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter)

A great newer hydrangea for Louisianians to consider is the Hydrangea paniculuta called Limelight.

Hydrangeas belonging to this species (referred to as panicled hydrangeas) bloom a month or so behind our traditional garden hydrangeas. June through July is typically the timing across the state.

Panicled hydrangeas have a cone-shaped bloom and can grow in more sunny locations. Limelight would prefer light afternoon shade.

The unique feature of this variety is the lime-green flower color. Plants reach heights of 6 feet in the landscape. They prefer a well-drained soil in beds mulched with pine straw. Provide irrigation once or twice weekly when rainfall is lacking. Hydrangeas bloom on new spring growth.

You can also select Little Lime hydrangea if you want a smaller-growing plant similar to Limelight. Little Lime matures at 3-4 feet in the landscape.

Allen Owings
Rick Bogren