Panicle hydrangea 'Limelight' vs Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'
Both flower on the current year's growth, so a hard winter or a hard pruning never costs the flowers: cut them back in late winter. 'Annabelle' is a smooth hydrangea, from a North American native, with round white heads that can flop after rain. 'Limelight' is a panicle hydrangea, with cone-shaped heads on stiffer stems that open lime-green and age to pink, and it takes more sun.
 Panicle hydrangea 'Limelight'Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' |  Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 7 ft tall, 7 ft wide | 4 ft tall, 5 ft wide |
| Plant | 6 ft apart | 4 ft apart |
| Zones | 3 to 8 | 3 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to part sun | Part sun to part shade |
| Soil | Evenly moist, average fertility | Evenly moist, rich fertility |
| Flowers | Mid July to early October; green, white, pink | Late June to early September; white, green |
| Leaves | Medium, deciduous | Bold, deciduous |
| Job in a bed | Anchor | Anchor |
| Pets | Toxic (mild) | Toxic (mild) |
| Deer | Not listed as resistant | Not listed as resistant |
| Native | No | Variety of a native |
| Spread | Low risk | Moderate risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose panicle hydrangea 'Limelight' for more height (7 ft against 4 ft).
- Choose smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' for more shade, warmer gardens (to zone 9), a native garden, a smaller space (4 ft against 7 ft) and more wildlife.
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. Beside panicle hydrangea 'Limelight', smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' is in flower together for eight weeks, from mid July; bold leaves against its medium ones; low enough (4 ft) to stand in front of it. They share part sun and zones 3 to 8.
Read more: all about panicle hydrangea 'Limelight', and all about smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle', each with a bed the planner designed around it.