Limelight vs Little Lime hydrangea
'Little Lime' is sold as the dwarf 'Limelight': the same cones that open lime-green, turn white and blush pink in autumn, and the same hardiness, on a shrub about half the size, four feet instead of seven. 'Limelight' is the one for a hedge or the back of a big bed; 'Little Lime' fits a mixed border or a large pot. Both flower on new wood, so prune either in early spring.
 Panicle hydrangea 'Limelight'Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' | Panicle hydrangea 'Little Lime' Hydrangea paniculata 'Jane' (Little Lime) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 7 ft tall, 7 ft wide | 4 ft tall, 4 ft wide |
| Plant | 6 ft apart | 4 ft apart |
| Zones | 3 to 8 | 3 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to part sun | Full sun to part sun |
| Soil | Evenly moist, average fertility | Evenly moist, average fertility |
| Flowers | Mid July to early October; green, white, pink | Mid July to early October; green, white, pink |
| Leaves | Medium, 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 panicle hydrangea 'Limelight' for more height (7 ft against 4 ft).
- Choose panicle hydrangea 'Little Lime' for a smaller space (4 ft against 7 ft).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. What panicle hydrangea 'Little Lime' brings beside panicle hydrangea 'Limelight': in flower together for 12 weeks, from mid July; low enough (4 ft) to stand in front of it; happy in the same moist soil. They share full sun and part sun and zones 3 to 8.
Read more: all about panicle hydrangea 'Limelight', and all about panicle hydrangea 'Little Lime', each with a bed the planner designed around it.