Limelight Prime® Hydrangea Tree

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-6 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Limelight Prime® Hydrangea Tree is the updated version of the ever-popular Limelight Hydrangea. Not only is Limelight Prime a tree form, but it also has a slightly smaller spread to allow this plant to be used in virtually any garden setting with ease. Limelight Prime not only blooms earlier than Limelight, but the stouter stems also have no problems supporting the giant showy flower heads throughout the growing season. 

Because Limelight Prime blooms exclusively on new wood, they are able to withstand cold and snowy winters with little chance of losing flower buds. The lime and white flowers age to deep shades of strawberry and raspberry making them some of the showiest plants in the garden. Limelight Prime can be planted in containers for the deck or patio, or directly into an existing garden plan to add height and color.  

Limelight Prime® Hydrangea Tree Care

Limelight Prime appreciates well-draining soil that is consistently moist and has moderate fertility. The soil pH is not important, as this plant's color is not affected by acidic or alkaline soil. Mulching with a thick layer of organic material (arborist chips, shredded leaves, compost) helps the soil retain moisture, stay cool, and suppress weeds. Additional watering may be required during periods of drought and high temperatures. 

Prune Limelight Prime early in the spring to remove any branches damaged from the winter and to keep the shape compact. Cut back branches to just above a pair of leaf buds so that no naked stems are visible once the leaves grow in. Deadheading is rarely necessary for Hydrangea paniculata. 

Limelight Prime® Hydrangea Tree Spacing

The overall height for this Hydrangea standard is 6 feet with a similar size for canopy spread. Generally, there will be 3-4 feet of bare trunk on Limelight Prime, which makes it easy to plant into an existing garden bed. Space each hydrangea tree 4-6 feet apart to allow for the mature spread. To pot this plant, choose a pot with at least a 24-inch diameter.