It is important to keep your Limelight Hydrangeas looking their best by properly pruning them. To aid the Limelight Hydrangea in growing a strong base to support the large flowers, prune it back by up to 1/3 of its total height. This encourages new growth on stronger, thicker branches. Our plant specialist here at Tranquility Grove, Diane, says be sure to prune the Limelight Hydrangea in late winter or very early spring before any new growth begins. The Limelight Hydrangea blooms on new wood and you do not want to cut off any new buds that are forming for the upcoming growing season.
By pruning the Limelight Hydrangea in late winter or very early spring you ensure that no new growth is being removed, this also ensures the new growth is on strong, thick branches that can support the new growth of the Limelight Hydrangea. Pruning the Limelight Hydrangea aids the plant in sending its energy to growing a strong base to hold all of the large flowers that bloom later in the growing season; mid-summer and into early fall.
Be sure when pruning the Limelight Hydrangea to also remove any dead or broken branches as well as branches that are rubbing together. While carefully working to maintain the plant's shape; cut off any branches that are rubbing together; only one of the rubbing branches needs to be removed as the other will begin to heal. Branches that rub against each other will overtime lead to open wounds which can cause decay.
The Limelight Hydrangea produces large light green flowers that become more white throughout the season. The Limelight Hydrangea can be a great addition to any garden and looks best planted in groups. The Limelight Hydrangea can grow to a height of 6 feet and 6-7 feet wide; therefore when planting make sure to provide adequate spacing. Newly planted Limelight Hydrangeas may appear far apart at first, but with proper care the space will fill in quickly providing a full look to the garden.
