Comparing 4 Different “Lime” Hydrangeas - Which is BEST for you?

[@JoseMartinez-df2db]

No hybrid, especially Lime Light Prime compares to the original Lime Light. The beautiful contrast of the bright white against the rich green is just stunning. The green flowers of the Lime Light Prime blends in too much. I'm that case I would just plant bushes.

[@jamestennison6887]

I still prefer the original “limelight”. They seem to be the most profuse blooming of all the varieties. I also live in zone 8b, so it does best in this area as well. I’m starting a new landscape design business here on the Texas coast, & I’m eager to see how it does in coastal areas!

[@pwcolorchoice]

'Limelight' is a classic! Like you mentioned it also does better in hotter climates than the others :)

[@JennyT101]

I still love the classic limelight best. The limelight prime is too green for my taste.

[@pwcolorchoice]

It is definitely a matter of personal preference, but that's why we have so many options for our gardeners :)

[@vikkielaf]

I really wish all the other limelight’s were a zone 9 like the original. I do hope y’all will continue to breed more zone 9 panicle hydrangeas

[@pwcolorchoice]

We certainly will continue on improving our plant's hardiness and heat tolerance :)

[@shannonh4359]

I am in zone 9a and all of mine do fabulous.

[@leiaflash5055]

Love all my PW hydrangeas (got quite a collection), will add Prime to my list for next season :) Thank you Stacey for this breakdown/comparison as it was really helpful :)

[@pwcolorchoice]

That's awesome that you have a collection of them! :)

[@blkxdragon]

I just put 8 lime cuttings into coir and perlite a couple of days ago. They are sitting in 75% humidity. Hope they root out!

[@ivyandroses25]

I am a HUGE PW hydrangea fan (obsessed). As great as the new cultivar(s) are I truly don't think that Limelight Prime can fully replace OG Limelight because of: the scale (as backdrops, privacy, statement pieces, etc.), the heat tolerance, AND the more subtle color. Those quiet shades of green & cream are the part I love most. It's so elegant & goes with everything! I WANT to love Limelight Prime but I also can't stand the name, especially since its been "primed" to replace such a cult favorite. It doesn't mesh with all the great PW names to me (lacks charm!) & it fits such a different niche to me with its features that I think it should be its own spinoff. I wish it were named something else... "Primelight" is my suggestion! Thank you so much for these plants that I so so dearly love! 💖

[@pwcolorchoice]

Totally get where you're coming from! 'Limelight' will always be a classic and we don't argue with that :) Limelight Prime was actually bred with genetics from the original Limelight so that's where the name and comparisons come from :)

[@jellee6305]

How many 'little limelights' were used to create the hedge? Thank you for all your presentations. Always so informative.

[@pwcolorchoice]

There are four Little Lime hydrangeas in that planting. Thanks so much for the kind comment! :)

[@cangarden7833]

I am so looking forward to Little Lime Punch next year! I will be on the hunt for it as soon as my usual suppliers start getting their stock. I am redesigning my 2 front flower beds around the LLP! They needed to be redone anyway, so this is a perfect addition. I have a Limelight & Little Lime & am really enjoying them in my landscape. I’m considering Limelight Prime & can’t wait until you do the fall colour follow up video. I’m kind of hoping you do that video in the same format as this one. That will be my deciding factor! Lol!

[@pwcolorchoice]

That is so exciting! It's good to know this format is helpful, we will definitely do the fall update just like this one so you can see and compare :)

[@kdautry100]

Love Little Lime Punch! Can you please tell me if that’s a butterfly bush behind you? Beautiful purple blooms.

[@pwcolorchoice]

That is Pugster Amethyst, it's such a lovely plant! :) mypwcolorchoices.com/product/pugster-amethyst-butterfly-bush/

[@trannguyen4375]

what happen if we plant the "3-8" zone ones in zone 9? in a spot that have maybe 3-4 sun ? I live in FL zone 9 and i really want to plant all the hydrangeas and im thinking to pick a spot not too much sun. Will that work?

[@pwcolorchoice]

Even though the plants wouldn't be getting as much sun, the issue would be the temperatures that your area experiences. Less sun exposure won't necessarily help the plants survive as they still require sun to bloom well and the temperatures will still be too hot for them. You can definitely grow 'Limelight' as that is hardy to zone 9 :)

[@imahappygal1]

We will be waiting on that Punch fall color! Great information!

[@cindystevens2538]

In the video you mentioned that Little Lime punch was the smallest in this series of hydrangeas growing to 3’-5’ tall and wide. Yet the little lime is also 3’-5’ tall and wide. Does the punch tend to stay on the smaller side? I’m looking for a full sun, smaller, not as big as 4 or 5’ hydrangea. I’m in 6b Massachusetts.

[@pwcolorchoice]

Yes, Little Lime Punch stays a bit smaller than Little Lime. Little Lime punch would be a great option for you :)

[@baynlovey]

How tall are you if you don’t mind me asking, because that little lime looks tall and I’m hoping mine does not get taller than 5 feet.

[@pwcolorchoice]

Stacey is 5'7" - the Little Limes in this video are on an elevated angle (a berm going uphill) so they look a bit larger :)

[@pattirichey1977]

I live in zone 8 in the DFW area of Texas. Will these plants take our high humidity along with 100 degree temperatures?

[@pwcolorchoice]

I would recommend 'Limelight' for you! It is hardy up to zone 9. The other hydrangeas featured in this video are hardy up to zone 8 but your area is a bit warmer than other regions. "Limelight' will certainly do well for you :)

[@fannieallen6005]

Love all of these. Soooo beautiful!

[@deetmar7esp]

I am looking for a smaller panicked that is a beautiful white 3 - 5'. I have a hedge of 8 Incredible, A row of 8Original Endless Summer, A set of 7 little lime punch a hedge of Pinky Winky 1 limelight orbit made into a 3 stem tree, 3vanillia steawberry, many varieties of mopheads. I want white that isn't to much work with wonder panicles. Can you help? I need 3to5 Zone 5b

[@pwcolorchoice]

Wow, your garden sounds beautiful! You could add some Bobo panicle hydrangeas that are smaller and have white blooms ☺ www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/product/bobo-hardy-hydrangea/

[@cynthiarubio4074]

Thank you for the descriptions of each! First time Gardner, I have little lime, quick fire and plan to get limelight prime. How far away should I plant away from a fence? Thanks in advance from Midland, Texas.

[@pwcolorchoice]

So glad you found the video helpful! Limelight Prime will grow to be around 4-5' wide so if you wanted the hydrangea to grow right up next to the fence I would plant it about 2.5' from the fence. If you wanted space in between the hydrangea and fence then you could do 4' or more away from it :)

[@samarajarosh1038]

Do all 4 develop the deep pink to red flowers? How is it different from the quick fire hydrangea? Which does better in full sun?

[@pwcolorchoice]

All take on various tones of pink as they age but I'd say that Little Lime Punch gets the deepest red coloration. Quick Fire has lacecap blooms while the others have mophead blooms, Quick Fire also changes into it's pink/red coloration earlier and doesn't get the green-lime coloration the others featured in this video do. They all do great in full sun! 'Limelight' is the hardiest out of the bunch so that is always a great choice for warmer climates.

[@Higginsangel]

I’m planning on getting a few of the Lime light Punch in the spring. But in the following fall should I prune it or let it get more established? And when I do prune it how far back do I go?

[@pwcolorchoice]

We actually have a how-to video on this exact topic! Here's the link to that for you and if you have any questions still after you watch it, feel free to reach out :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZquqgWawlqx_la8

[@ritafreeman3252]

I would love to know if these are available to buy here in Sydney Australia, they are so beautiful hydrangeas are one of my favourite flowers

[@pwcolorchoice]

Unfortunately we don't currently sell our shrubs in Australia but hope to be able to in the future. Thank you for your interest! :)

[@Angie-ci1lp]

I absolutely love hydrangeas! Thank you for sharing

[@pwcolorchoice]

They are pretty fabulous! :)

[@teresaestes7073]

If you are debating between Lime light and little Lime what are you suggestions. They are to go in front of a side fence along the backyard. Fence is standard height (6-7').

[@pwcolorchoice]

They both are great choices! They get similar coloration so the difference between the two is their size. Little Lime grows to be 3-5' tall, while Limelight grows to be 6-8'. If you're wanting to have something that will drape over your fence over time, I'd go with Limelight. On the flip side, if you're wanting to still have a view of the top of your fence I'd go with Little Lime :)

[@teresaestes7073]

@@pwcolorchoice I went with Little Lime Punch. Can't wait!! How much should they grow in the first season?

[@pwcolorchoice]

@@teresaestes7073 Yay! I love that plant :) the first season they will most likely be working on getting established in their new home so you'll see some growth but the second year you will see it start to take off :)

[@Coda1850]

The side of my house gets sun from 4pm to 7pm. Zone 6B, will hydrangeas do OK there?

[@pwcolorchoice]

You should do well with big leaf, mountain, oakleaf, and maybe smooth hydrangeas; it sounds like it's not quite enough sun for panicle hydrangeas if it's only three hours each day. ☺

[@Fitbren69]

Thanks for the video. I love all things Hydrangea. My absolute favorite and easiest shrub to plant and care for. Thank you Proven Winners!

[@pwcolorchoice]

They are fantastic plants! Thank you for the kind comment :)

[@OhSidney]

Can't wait for the day when you introduce us a new type for warmer zones :)

[@pwcolorchoice]

Definitely working on it! :)

[@marilynbaldwin2934]

Love hydrangeas my favorite! So far i have about 11 but plan to get the small for 2022 thank you for this video!

[@pwcolorchoice]

Wow! That is so awesome :)

[@ale347baker]

Does little lime punch and little lime actually grow to the same height? Do any little limes grow to 3 feet instead of the 5?

[@pwcolorchoice]

Both Little Lime and Little Lime Punch grow to be 3-5' tall and wide. If you're in a warmer climate you can expect them to be on the higher size and lower in cooler climates. If you're wanting a smaller size, I would recommend trying Bobo panicle hydrangea, www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/product/bobo-hardy-hydrangea/ ☺

[@fe2896]

I live in zone 9b Southern California. Why Limelight original is the only one of panicle hydrangea that is hardy to 9b? Why the Limelight Prime, Little lime, Firelight, or quick fire Fab not hardy in our zone. Aren’t they all tolerant of our Hot Sun? Thank you

[@pwcolorchoice]

Thank you for this question! When it comes to some of our newer varieties, there is a possibility that they can have similar heat tolerance as Limelight, however, given that they haven't had as much time to be trialed and tested in these warmer zones, we state growing zones that we know they will be successful in. Their zones could change over time but that will be determined once we have more reliable date to use 🙂

[@robynmoxham4255]

I am looking for a foundation plant hydrangeas. Some morning sun, and the rest shade. Under the living room windows. Which panicle hydrangea would you suggest? Or would you suggest a macrophylla,?

[@pwcolorchoice]

What USDA zone are you in? And how many hours of direct sunlight would you say the spot gets?

[@shelleydoxtdator753]

Uh oh 😕 I think I’m in trouble! Please tell me you’re not that tall

[@jakewerner2381]

Both Little Lime and Little Lime Punch are listed as 3-5 ft tall. I've never seen a LLP live/in picture/video get as tall as the LL in the video? Just curious as to your thoughts before I make a decision?

[@pwcolorchoice]

The Little Lime Punch in this video is a younger planting than the Little Lime so it is certainly smaller here, both do have the capabilities to grow 3-5' and the warmer your zone, the more likely that the plant would grow to the higher end of 5'. We'll make sure to get an updated video of the Little Lime Punch this year once it leafs out to show how the sizing has grown 😄

[@acasburn1460]

Absolutely beautiful!! None of these hydrangeas are available here in Australia. Hopefully PW Australia can collaborate with PW USA and import them here down under. I think they would suit our growing conditions.

[@pwcolorchoice]

Yes, we're definitely trying to get our plants to be available for our friends down under! 🤗

[@pauleastwood9849]

when they sizes are predicted, what are your pruning habits. some cut to the ground, some cut half way, some cut just the flower heads off. that will have some baring on how big they get too correct?

[@pwcolorchoice]

The plants will continue to grow until they reach their mature size, the more cut back the plants are can affect how quickly they will reach the mature size, but not prevent them from continuing to grow. As a general rule, for pruning panicle hydrangeas, you want to cut back the entire plant by 1/3 of its total size in late winter/early spring to help encourage stem strength and keep the desired habit shape.

[@taylorfrederick036]

Stacy, you are fantastic!

[@pwcolorchoice]

She is such a wealth of knowledge! ☺

[@abdulkhalique4170]

Hello, I am in Virginia Zone 7 A, will this Lime Hydrangeas are good to grow like your video? I need these, please advise.

[@pwcolorchoice]

Yes, they will! These hydrangeas up to USDA zone 8 so you will be just fine :)

[@debrabelton3161]

Hi, I have just received my Little lime punch and I'm so excited. Can you provide the name of the purple flowering shrub behind you?

[@pwcolorchoice]

The plant at the beginning of the video is a Pugster Amethyst butterfly bush I believe!

[@nathanielalgernon975]

I actually like a fading to a light pink instead of a darker punch red/pink. I wish they had a lime cultivar that faded to a light pink.

[@pwcolorchoice]

Our Little Lime panicle hydrangea does go from lime to a softer pink than other varieties ☺ www.mypwcolorchoices.com/product/little-lime-hardy-hydrangea/

[@kennethsarita]

will the panicle hydrangea limelight become 6-8ft on the first season I plant it? if not, may I know how long it'll take for it to grow that tall?

[@pwcolorchoice]

That will depend on a few things, how big the plant is when you purchase it and the conditions it is grown in. Typically a 1 gallon plant would take around 5 years for it to get to be around the 6-8' range :)

[@suzique7302]

I’m thrilled w/ my Bobos, Limelight Prime and LimeLights, however I planted a row of 10 Zinfin Dolls (zone 8) and they bloomed beautifully then blooms immediately turned brown- I pruned them off leaving the green leaves. I was hopeful for a great show like my others but sadly I’m disappointed

[@pwcolorchoice]

Most likely, they experienced some kind of water stress when they were blooming. I usually find that too little water is the issue, but I have seen excessive water/poor drainage cause it as well. Similarly, if the plants are pelted with irrigation, flowers that hold a lot of water can experience rotting or burning that cause them to brown. High night time temperatures can also cause browning instead of aging to pink, but it sounds like that is unlikely the issue since it sounds like the other ones are aging naturally.

[@fromthecitytocountryliving5055]

I love Limelight hydrangeas and quick fire wii deer eat them?

[@pwcolorchoice]

Deer will browse on panicle hydrangeas unfortunetaly!

[@NardeBanks]

Please what is that purple shrub behind you next to the little lime punch. Thank you

[@pwcolorchoice]

That is Pugster Amethyst butterfly bush ☺ www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/product/pugster-amethyst-butterfly-bush/

[@happypizza9115]

I’m in zone 5b and I’m having trouble deciding between limelight prime and bobo. Is there information on which one blooms the earliest?

[@pwcolorchoice]

Bobo blooms in early summer and Limelight Prime blooms mid-summer. They are both great plants! They do vary quite a bit in size, Bobo will grow to be 2.5-3' tall and 3-4' wide, while Limelight Prime will grow to be 4-6' tall and 4-5' wide. Just something to keep in mind as well :)

[@user-xn6zz3fm6t]

I have a border that is half in partial sun and half in full shade. What is the best hydrangea for that condition?

[@pwcolorchoice]

All hydrangeas need to get at least some sun. Typically, the more sun a hydrangea gets, the more prolific it will bloom. There are varieties that can take part-shade conditions but I would avoid planting any in a full shade area. Here's a link to our hydrangeas that can grow in part-shade, mypwcolorchoices.com/all-plants/?jsf=epro-products:sheight&tax=product_cat:528;pa_exposure:311%2C312

[@Peace2920]

Do little lime get that same beautiful white that the classic limelight do?

[@pwcolorchoice]

Little Lime will start out with white blooms that transition to green ☺

[@CentralNH]

How far do you cut the 20 yr old limelight back each year? Or do you trim at all?

[@pwcolorchoice]

This hydrangea is really just trimmed a little to maintain its shape but no heavy pruning is done to it :)

[@Legacy_125]

How do you keep the limelight’s from drooping to the ground?

[@pwcolorchoice]

It is good practice to prune the hydrangea in late winter or early spring, cut back by about one-third its total height, just above a set of large buds. This will help with creating nice framework for blooms to be held on more robust stems.

[@delkolleh7535]

What do you guys do to keep your little limelight hydrangeas flowers to not flop over

[@pwcolorchoice]

It's a good idea to prune the plant back by 1/2 it's total height in late winter/early spring to help develop strong stems.

[@rosannabetances]

Loved! this video help me to make my choice, I really appreciate this kindly help!

[@pwcolorchoice]

So glad you found this video helpful! Happy Gardening :)

[@lindadurante9482]

limelight prime do you prune it and how much, thank you

[@pwcolorchoice]

Pruning is recommended in early spring. Remove weak branches in the middle and about 1/3 of the height and width. Make cuts just about 1/4 of an inch above a bud. Dead or damaged wood can be removed at any time, just cut back to a set of leaves. :)

[@joycer304]

I plan on planting a hedge of limelight (the original) what spacing would you recommend. I've looked online and seen suggestions from 3 feet up to 8 feet apart, distance measured from the center of the plant. Thanks so much!

[@pwcolorchoice]

How exciting! 'Limelight' will grow to be 6-8' tall and tends to grow on the larger side when planted in hotter climates, if you live in a warmer climate I would recommend you plant them with each plant's center 8' apart as that will allow each to grow 4' on each side and give a nice full look. If you live in a cooler climate you can plant them a bit closer, but really I wouldn't plant them any less than at least 6' apart. Does that make sense? :)

[@joycer304]

@@pwcolorchoice that makes sense! I'm in zone 6 maybe i'll do 6.5 or 7'. Thanks so much! I can't wait to see what it will look like next season.

[@pwcolorchoice]

@@joycer304 That should work great! You'll need to send us photos when it blooms next year :)

[@jellee6305]

What is the name of the flowering shrub in the background and across the road?

[@pwcolorchoice]

At what time mark do you see the plant in the background? I want to make sure I'm telling you the right plant :)

[@jellee6305]

4:49@@pwcolorchoice

[@pwcolorchoice]

@@jellee6305 Got it! That is Tuff Stuff hydrangea, here's the information page for that plant - mypwcolorchoices.com/product/tuff-stuff-mountain-hydrangea/

[@edwarddavalle9708]

are little lime punch and little lime the same size?

[@pwcolorchoice]

Yes, both grow to be 3-5' tall and wide :)

[@cantor7723]

Can the Limelight be trimmed in late winter/early spring to somewhat control its size?

[@pwcolorchoice]

Early spring is the ideal time to prune this hydrangea - you can cut it back by 1/3 of its total height. We like to recommend that our customers buy a plant with a finished size more suited to their needs, rather than buying a larger one and trying to maintain a smaller size :)

[@cantor7723]

@@pwcolorchoice Of course. The actual plant I'm having a problem with is your Firelight hydrangea. Your website says it gets 6-8 feet tall/wide, but HD, where I bought it, said it only gets 5-6 feet tall/wide. I planted it under a trellis about 7 feet tall at the top of the arch, so I thought the white flowers poking out around a trellis of red roses would be beautiful. I'm guessing HD is wrong, so 8 feet is too tall. I actually bought 3 little limes this spring from Home D since I prefer short, tidy plants. :)

[@pwcolorchoice]

@@cantor7723 Sorry about that mixed information! The correct height is 6-8' - your idea of the white blooms and roses mixing together sounds beautiful! Like we talked about before, you can prune the plant back in early spring without losing potential blooms so if you're wanting to keep the plants where they are I would just cut them back each year to help control the sizing some. Little Limes are fantastic! It's nice to have smaller options for our gardeners :)

[@yepnah3514]

who choses the names? they are mostly so cringe

[@pwcolorchoice]

Often times a plant will be named by the breeder. For example Pinky Winky and Bobo hydrangea were named by the breeder after their daughter's favorite cartoon characters.

[@bellarosa009]

Can you tell me about Firelight Tibit as far as height and habit?

[@pwcolorchoice]

Of course! So Fire Light Tidbit will grow to be 2-3' tall and 3' wide :) Here's a link to its info page, mypwcolorchoices.com/product/fire-light-tidbit-hardy-hydrangea/

[@bellarosa009]

@@pwcolorchoice Thank you!! I hope that I can find it locally next year. I did score a 3 gallon pot of a Quick Fire Fab for $14!!

[@pwcolorchoice]

@@bellarosa009 Oh my gosh that is awesome!! Definitely check your local garden centers as you can typically get larger sizes there. If they don't have it in stock you can voice your interest to them and they can see about getting some in stock :)

[@opheliaowusu-adjei5575]

Where can I find the seed to buy

[@pwcolorchoice]

Thanks for your interest! We don't sell seeds at this time.

[@charlottecannon5288]

Love seeing you in motion!

[@pwcolorchoice]

Thanks so much! ☀☀

[@princessdiamond999]

I bought 6 and lined them up 3 feet apart and 3 feet away from the side of my house for a hedge. Do you think I need to relocate some of them?

[@pwcolorchoice]

Which variety did you get? The spacing will depend on how large the hydrangeas get. Below I've attached a video we made on creating a hedge with our Incrediball hydrangea, while it is a different type of hydrangea, the spacing explained in the video holds true for how you would want to space yours. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZKWlpKMhs1oias

[@princessdiamond999]

I got the original limelights. Will I be okay?

[@pwcolorchoice]

@@princessdiamond999 What zone are you in? If you live in a cooler climate or don't want to wait as long for the hedge to fill in you can plant the hydrangeas a bit closer. In this case you want to aim for the low end of their growing range, and for 'Limelight' that is 6' so ideally having each plant's center about 5-6' apart from one another. Hotter climates should tend towards the larger growing range, which is 8' for 'Limelight'. So all this being said, would it be possible for you to space the plants out a little bit further? Maybe around 5' apart?

[@princessdiamond999]

@@pwcolorchoiceI live in NC so I am in 7b. I do not mind relocating some of them but I am concerned if I planted too close to my foundation. Will the roots damage my foundation?

[@pwcolorchoice]

@@princessdiamond999 Shrubs don't get those big woody roots that trees will so they certainly aren't as much of a concern, but to be safe I would say having the hydrangeas planted at least 5' away from your foundation is a good idea

[@Worldfriends218]

whoooooooooooo very nice

[@pwcolorchoice]

Thank you! :)

[@gardentourist9979]

🤩

[@ashleylitebrite6971]

Great video!

[@pwcolorchoice]

So glad you enjoyed it! 🤗

[@tracyslone66]

Do these all bloom on new wood? These are just stunning!!!

[@pwcolorchoice]

They do indeed bloom on new wood :)