Guide on Cultivating Compact Lime Hydrangeas for a Dash of Zesty Citrus Ideal for Containers
Caring for Your Little Lime Hydrangea: A Comprehensive Guide
The Little Lime Hydrangea, with its zesty lime blooms and compact stature, is a popular choice for gardens and containers. Let's delve into the best practices for nurturing this delightful shrub.
Light Requirements
The Little Lime Hydrangea thrives in full sun but is also adaptable to all-day dappled sun or morning sun with afternoon shade. To prevent drying out, frequent watering is necessary if it's placed in full sun [1].
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist, watering more often if the plant is in full sun or during hot summers—up to several times a week for full sun; once a week in dappled shade or cooler temperatures is generally sufficient [1][3].
Temperature & Humidity
While specific temperature ranges are not detailed, hydrangeas generally prefer moderate climates; watering in the morning helps prevent disease and wilting [3].
Soil
Use well-drained soil that does not remain soggy. Good drainage is key to avoid root problems [5].
Fertilizer
Fertilize twice yearly—in spring and mid-summer—with a continuous release fertilizer formulated for hydrangeas or flowering shrubs. A high phosphorus and potassium fertilizer applied weekly in diluted form can promote bigger blooms [4][5].
Pruning
Prune by cutting back about one-third of the plant’s total height each spring when new growth begins, making cuts just above a bud. Dead or damaged wood can be removed anytime [1][5]. Since Little Lime blooms on new wood, late winter or early spring pruning encourages abundant flowering [1].
Propagation
Propagate by taking cuttings from healthy green stems in early fall, removing flowers and bottom leaves, applying rooting hormone, and rooting in moist potting soil under indirect light. Rooting takes about four weeks [2].
Repotting
Little Lime is small enough to grow in containers and can be repotted as needed to refresh soil or accommodate growth. Ensure the new pot has good drainage and use appropriate well-drained potting mix [5].
Other Considerations
After a few years of growing, Little Lime Hydrangea will need to be repotted. Water well and feed with a balanced fertilizer annually after repotting. The Brunello Planter from Gardener's Supply in the color Terra Cotta is a great pot for a small shrub like Little Lime [6]. Replant the hydrangea into a container a few inches larger than the old one, add well-draining soil to the bottom, then fill in around the edges with new soil when repotting [5].
Little Lime Hydrangea is suitable for smaller gardens and containers. If you're looking for a more colorful cousin, consider Little Lime Punch, which boasts white, pink, and Hawaiian Punch red flowers in addition to the electric lime blooms [7]. This versatile shrub blooms from July through September [8].
It's worth noting that the popular Limelight hydrangea has the same lime green blooms as Little Lime, but it grows up to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall and wide [9]. For organic fertilizers, you might consider an option like this one from Espoma at Home Depot [10]. A bag of composted cow manure, like this one from Home Depot, can be used for planting Little Lime Hydrangea [11].
In summary, Little Lime Hydrangea is a sun-tolerant, fairly easy-care shrub requiring consistent moisture, well-drained soil, regular fertilization, and spring pruning to encourage blooms. Its adaptability to containers and ease of propagation make it a versatile garden or indoor plant [1][5].
- Incorporate the Little Lime Hydrangea into your home-and-garden, flourishing it in containers or smaller gardens, as it's a versatile and sun-tolerant option suitable for both outdoor and indoor spaces.
- To complement your garden's home-and-garden lifestyle, consider cultivating a more diverse hydrangea family by propagating the vibrant Little Lime Punch, which offers a mix of white, pink, and red flowers, in addition to the electric lime blooms, suitable for various shades in your gardening endeavors.
