The next big thing in hydrangeas is here, and it's Limelight Prime hydrangea from Proven Winners. It has everything you love about the original 'Limelight' - rock-solid reliability and glorious green flowers - and then improves on some of the original's liabilities. Chiefly, that means it has much stronger stems (no more blooms in the dirt!), an earlier bloom time (no waiting all summer long for flowers, especially in cooler areas), and vastly improved color as the blooms age (forget the muddy red, it's vivid pink!). It's also a bit smaller than 'Limelight', which opens up many more possibilities for including it in landscapes and gardens without removing the old favorites, like hedges and screening. We have seen both Limelight Prime and 'Limelight' side-by-side, and the difference is substantial - but don't take our word for it, try this innovative new hydrangea yourself!What makes Limelight Prime different than other panicle hydrangeas? Earlier bloom time means a much longer display to enjoy Green blooms age to pure, vivid pink later in the season Nice sturdy stems ensure strong blooms and a striking presence in the garden Details: Name: Hydrangea paniculata 'SMNHPPH' pp#32,511, cbraf Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8 Height + width: 4-6' tall x 4-5' wide Light: Full to part sun Soil: Any well-drained soil will do. Though dry conditions are unlikely to harm an established plant, prolonged drought will cause flowers to brown and wilt instead of develop a good pink color. Pruning: Blooms on new wood; prune back by one-third in late winter/early spring for better habit and a slight improvement in stem strength. Water: Average water needs. Does not tolerate wet conditions. Fertilizer: Fertilize once in early spring with a rose fertilizer if desired. Bloom time: Summer Bloom color: Green, aging to vivid red-pink. The color the blooms turn is a genetic trait that develops with the natural aging of the cells in the florets, and is not influenced by any condition in the soil, like pH level. You can’t change panicle hydrangeas’ color by treating with aluminum sulfate or planting in acidic soil – they will always stay in the pink/red range. Uses: Limelight Prime hydrangea is an improved version of the classic 'Limelight' and can be used in similar ways: hedges, landscape plantings, mass plantings, flower gardens, perennial beds, and of course, as a stunning cut flower.