It is time to turn the calendar to July, which signals hot days ahead. July is usually one of the hottest months here in the Mid-South. This is also the time when ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas are in full bloom. It is almost impossible not to notice these hydrangeas blooming in the landscape. My wife and I were recently driving through Memphis neighborhoods and could not help but admire this distinctive flower which is celebrated for its magnificent blooms.

The ‘Limelight’ hydrangea is a panicle hydrangea, which is a perennial, woody, deciduous shrub that requires plenty of room to grow. At maturity, it can reach six to eight feet tall and nearly as wide. Its large, cone-shaped flower clusters emerge a soft chartreuse green in summer before gradually changing to shades of pink and deep rose as the season progresses. The impressive blooms, often as large as your head, make excellent fresh-cut bouquets and beautiful dried arrangements.

These popular panicle hydrangeas perform best in well-drained, loamy soil and grows well in full sun to partial shade. In our area, morning sun with some afternoon shade is ideal, especially during our hottest summer days. Because these shrubs have relatively shallow roots, applying a two- to three-inch layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures.

One of the most common questions I receive is when to prune ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas. Since they bloom on new wood, pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This shrub tolerates heat, humidity, and urban conditions remarkably well. Fall and early spring are the best times for planting.

Other than occasional aphids, spider mites, leaf spot, or powdery mildew, ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas are generally low-maintenance and relatively pest-free.

I suspect this popular shrub may soon find a place in my own landscape. My wife really likes them! If you have questions about hydrangeas or other gardening topics, please contact me at 901-752-1207. Take care and stay cool out there!