How to Grow Lime Green Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Lime green hydrangea is a beautiful, easy to grow plant that will instantly add color and life to any space. With its large, showy blooms and lush foliage, it's no wonder this plant is a favorite among gardeners.

How to Grow Lime Green Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')
  • Snowball hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')
  • Sevenbark (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')
  • Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')
  • Wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')

Good to Know

  • Scientific name: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lime Green'
  • Plant type: Deciduous shrub
  • Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil type: Rich, well-drained soil
  • Moisture: Medium moisture
  • Mature size: 4 to 6 feet tall and wide
  • Bloom time: Summer
  • Flower color: Tan to lime green
  • Hardiness zones: 5 to 9
  • Native range: Japan

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Little Lime

Growing Steps

  1. For lime green hydrangea, first step is to purchase a well draining pot.
  2. Fill pot with fresh potting mix, and make sure to moisten mix before adding plant.
  3. Gently remove plant from current pot, and loosen any roots that are bound.
  4. Place plant in new pot, and back fill around plant with potting mix. Tamp mix gently to secure plant.
  5. Water plant well, and place in a spot that receives bright, indirect light.
  6. Allow the top of the soil to dry out in between watering.
  7. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
  8. To encourage compact growth, pinch back tips of stems as needed.
  9. In late fall or early winter, prepare for dormancy by reducing watering and allowing the plant to go almost dry.
  10. Keep plant dry and barely alive during winter, and bring back to normal care in spring.

Related plant:
Limequat

Soil Condition

About soil condition, lime green hydrangea prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Adding some organic matter to the soil will help improve its drainage while also providing nutrients for the plant. Be sure to water regularly during the growing season, as this plant does not tolerate drought well.

Light requirement

Just like other hydrangeas, the lime green hydrangea requires a fair amount of sun to produce blooms. It should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of sun per day, though it will tolerate some afternoon shade. Morning sun is best to prevent the flowers from wilting in the afternoon heat.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for lime green hydrangeas is one that is slightly cooler than average. This means that they should be kept in a location that is out of direct sunlight and where the temperature remains consistent. They should also be protected from any drafty areas.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and dry out. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does not require a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. A light application of a general-purpose fertilizer in the spring is all that is needed. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package. As for watering, the root system of this plant is relatively shallow. Therefore, it is important to water it regularly, especially during the hot summer months.

Light requirement

Pruning a lime green hydrangea is a simple process that can be done with just a few household tools. First, identify the area of the plant that you want to prune. Second, cut off any dead or dying leaves or stems. Third, trim back any overgrown branches. Finally, cut off any excess leaves or stems that are taking away from the plant's overall appearance.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is generally done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cut a 4- to 6-inch-long stem from the parent plant in late spring or early summer, using pruning shears. Make the cut just below a leaf node, and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag, and place it in a warm, humid location. Check on the cutting every few days, and mist it with water if the potting mix feels dry. After about six weeks, when the cutting has rooted and new growth appears, transplant it to a larger pot.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate . They are a beautiful plant that can grow up to eight feet tall. The leaves are a deep green color and the flowers are a light green color. This plant is known for its ability to grow in shady areas.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are blossom end rot, brown leaves, and wilting. Blossom end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the soil, which can be remedied by adding lime to the soil. Brown leaves can be caused by too much sun or heat, or by drought. Wilting can be caused by too little water or by drought.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to plant your lime green hydrangea in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Be sure to water your plant regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks to promote healthy growth.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking neat and tidy.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and take action immediately if you notice any problems.
  • Harvest your lime green hydrangeas regularly to enjoy their beautiful blooms.
  • Winterize your plant properly to ensure it survives the colder months.
  • Divide your plant every few years to promote healthy growth and maintain its vigor.
  • Give your lime green hydrangea plenty of love and attention, and it will thrive!
  • Follow these tips and you will have a beautiful, healthy lime green hydrangea that will

Substitution

  • Eupatorium capillifolium (Dog fennel)
  • Ageratum conyzoides (Blue billygoat weed)
  • Stachys floridana (Florida hedgenettle)
  • Floresia cernua (Nodding floresia)
  • Craterellus tuberosus (Tuberous trumpets)
  • Eupatorium pinnatifidum (Cutleaf thoroughwort)
  • Aquilegia canadensis (Wild columbine)
  • Senecio obovatus (Roundleaf groundsel)
  • Hydrangea macrophylla (Largeleaf hydrangea)
  • Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle hydrangea)

Source:
Hydrangea Paniculata ‘Limelight’ | NC State Extension
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea, Peegee Hydrangea)

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category