Back in the Limelight
Tuesday, July 26, 2011 I get a lot of grief from my landscaping friends about selecting Limelight Hydrangea as a foundation plant. And you know what? I get it. I realize that half of the year, there is not much going on in front of the house except a few well pruned boxwood. But for all their downtime, these hydrangeas make up for it with stong visual appeal. Every summer, when the heat is unbearable and it seems that everything around me is wilting, I am graced with 5 foot tall hydrangeas– panicles everywhere in shades of lime and cream. And that’s just act one. By fall, the glorious blooms begin to blush in shades of pink, until their final curtain call is made sporting handsome shades of tan and ecru. Sure, this planting goes a bit against the grain, but maybe that’s why they remain in the limelight.
Reader Comments (13)
I chose a similar design for part of a new bed I put in a few months ago. The main difference is that I went with Hydrangea 'Nigra' instead of 'Limelight' because I thought that I would like the black stems. And instead of boxwood I am using a low-growing hedge of 'Gumpo White' azaleas in front of them. Your bed looks much more established than mine though so I'm envious. I think it's great that you go with what you like rather than following the "establishment". ; )
Hi Chad, I love the black stems. Good choice. I'm certain that when I selected Limelight I wasn't aware of black stems yet. The Limelights were planted late fall 07. I did nothing to them for two years. Last year, I pruned them HARD (down to 1.5-2ft) around Thanksgiving time. I knew that they bloom on new growth. It came back as full if not more full than last year.
I like your title! :) Your hydrangea makes me drool. Mine has yet to bloom. I wonder if it ever will with the hot weather.
Hi One, Hope you don't have to wait too long for some blooms. My hydrangeas bloom the best in plenty of sun. BTW, I like your blog very much.
A man after my own heart. This is exactly what I drew on my garden plan, 3 years ago. I was going with Limelight, especially after seeing them on Deborah Silvers blog, but then someone talked me into giving the Annabelles that were there a second chance. So I have both, and am trialling to see who is the winner. But black stems that sounds yummy...
No wonder I don't have this area finsihed yet...
Well, I'm with you on Limelight, Mario. I bought two last year, and there's nothing wrong with going against the grain with this beauty that lights up shady spaces..
Hi Deborah, I find having so many choices thrilling and torturous all at the same time! One big plus for the Limelights is that they don't fall over. Good luck with your trials and do send photos if you can.
Hi! Saw your message in Blotanical. I wasn't aware of your reply. Only Wordpress with Commentluv notifies automatically via e-mail when a reply to a comment is made.
Since I don't use Wordpress, I sometimes reply to comments directly from where I read them from which is from my Inbox. It doesn't get posted in the blog but the recipients receive the messages via e-mail.
Following up your message on my plot on Blotanical I finally got around to visit your blog! I love your 'Limelight' hydrangeas! You posted some very nice and tempting photos of them! I just got into hydrangeas myself and added two new ones to my garden recently: Nikko Blue and Penny Mac. Can't wait for them to bloom next year. Penny Mac is actually supposed to repeat.
Christina
Have you tried hydrangea 'Little Lamb'? I just took a trip to a botanical garden that had a whole hedge of them and it was just beautiful. I'm new to hydrangeas but I can tell I'm going to love them! I'm trying a species plant called hydrangea serrata 'Preziosa' - got it from Lazy S's this spring. It's definitely doing the first-year-sleep thing.
Thanks again for the fave on Blotanical!
Those hydrangeas are beautiful.... They probably wouldn't survive in my environment.... (secretly jealous!!!) I lived in florida some years back and one. I loved when it bloomed.
Sharie- I love 'Little Lamb' but have not planted it (yet). It is a lovely specimen.
Virginia- Thanks! I see you've been canning some Basil Jelly! Could I persuade you to trade a jar for a jar of my Spiced Peach Jam?
mmmmmm... yummm!!! Spiced Peach Jam!! I did make some Basil Jelly, this week-end, and planning to make more this coming week-end!!! You really don't have to twist my arm for sweet yummy goodness! (I know, not strong minded when it comes to delish)... ha-ha-ha!!