Bigleaf hydrangea vs Panicle hydrangea 'Limelight'
Bigleaf hydrangeas are the blue and pink mopheads, and their colour comes from the soil: blue in acid soil, pink in alkaline. Most flower on last year's stems, so a cold winter, a late frost or an autumn pruning can cost a year's flowers. Panicle hydrangeas flower on new growth every year, take full sun and far colder winters, and are white ageing to pink whatever the soil.
 Bigleaf hydrangeaHydrangea macrophylla |  Panicle hydrangea 'Limelight'Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 5 ft tall, 5 ft wide | 7 ft tall, 7 ft wide |
| Plant | 4 ft apart | 6 ft apart |
| Zones | 6 to 9 | 3 to 8 |
| Light | Part sun to part shade | Full sun to part sun |
| Soil | Evenly moist, rich fertility | Evenly moist, average fertility |
| Flowers | Late June to late August; blue, pink, purple, white | Mid July to early October; green, white, pink |
| Leaves | Bold, deciduous | Medium, deciduous |
| Job in a bed | Anchor | Anchor |
| Pets | Toxic (mild) | Toxic (mild) |
| Deer | Not listed as resistant | Not listed as resistant |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose bigleaf hydrangea for more shade, warmer gardens (to zone 9) and a smaller space (5 ft against 7 ft).
- Choose panicle hydrangea 'Limelight' for colder gardens (to zone 3), a longer show (12 weeks of flower against 9) and more height (7 ft against 5 ft).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. Beside bigleaf hydrangea, panicle hydrangea 'Limelight' is in flower together for six weeks, from mid July; medium leaves against its bold ones; happy in the same moist soil. They share part sun and zones 6 to 8.
Read more: all about bigleaf hydrangea, and all about panicle hydrangea 'Limelight', each with a bed the planner designed around it.