Little Lime® Hydrangea Tree

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

3-5 Feet

Mature Spread

3-5 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Little Lime® Hydrangea Tree is perfect for any gardener looking to create a dramatic display in a small area. Little Lime is a paniculata Hydrangea grafted onto a taller rootstock to create a single-stemmed standard. The smaller flowerheads open a fluorescent lime color that turns a deep burgundy in the fall. Little Lime’s color contrast is perfect for adding late-season interest to a container garden or a cottage garden design. 

The large foliage makes a fantastic backdrop for long-lasting flowerheads. The stems are sturdy, keeping the flowers upright and cheerful. This is one hydrangea that is not bothered by pests or diseases, which adds to its easy-care reputation. As the flowers fade in the fall, they turn a subtle tan color while remaining fully attached to the stems. Leave the flowerheads on the shrub over winter to add interest and texture to your garden. 

Little Lime® Hydrangea Tree Care

Caring for tree hydrangeas is not much different from caring for the more common shrub forms. Little Lime can handle a range of light conditions, but requires protection from hot afternoon sun in southern climates. It prefers well-draining, evenly moist soil of moderate fertility. The pH level of the soil is not important and does not affect the color of Little Lime flowers. Adding a 1-2-inch layer of organic compost as mulch annually will provide nutrients to support healthy growth and heavy blooming. 

Pruning Hydrangea paniculata trees is very simple and best done in late winter or early spring, just as the buds are beginning to grow. Paniculata types flower on new wood. Make cuts just above a set of leaf buds to help Little Lime keep a compact shape. 

Tree hydrangeas growing in containers will require extra insulation over the winter. In areas with cold winters, wrap pots with layers of burlap and add a layer of finely shredded arborist chips or leaves to the top of the container.  

Little Lime® Hydrangea Tree Spacing

Provide 2-3 feet around the base of Little Lime when planting it near perennials. The overall height of the standard tree is 3-5 feet with only 18 -24 inches of open trunk at the base. Multiple hydrangea trees should be spaced 5 feet apart to allow adequate air circulation. Plant Little Lime in a container with at least a 16-inch diameter and 5-gallon capacity as part of a container or patio garden.

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