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photo of Tim Wood

Meet the Breeder

Tim Wood
Grand Haven, MI, USA

LIME RICKEY®

Hydrangea - Smooth

Hydrangea arborescens

'SMNHALR'

PP#28,858; CBR#5627

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Lime Rickey hydrangea in bloom in the landscape showing abundant blooms and strong stems "} Closeup of the large green inflorescence of Lime Rickey hydrangea Specimen of Lime Rickey hydrangea in the landscape covered in green flowers Lime Rickey hydrangea in full bloom showing stiff stems and unique flowers YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Extremely strong stems
  • Native to North America
  • Very durable
Description

Huge lime-green blooms every year! Hot summer weather calls for refreshing Lime Rickey® hydrangea! Cool, lime-green flowers appear each summer, even after harsh winters. The large, full mophead flowers are held on powerfully strong stems that are unphased by even serious summer rainfall. Each is comprised of hundreds of marbeled green florets and dotted with pink pollen in the center. Makes a great cut flower, fresh or dried, and attracts pollinators by the score.

USDA Zone
3 - 8 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
4 - 5'
Width
4 - 5'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Green
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Grows well in most soils; avoid wet and poorly drained sites. Mulch is recommended in the landscape.

Pruning

Blooms on new wood - cut back by about one-third its total height in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge on the stems. Smooth hydrangeas may be cut back harder, however, this prevents woody cells from developing, prohibiting the plant from achieving its maximum stem strength.

Uses

Versatile and showy, smooth hydrangeas offer dozens of landscape applications: foundation plantings, perennial gardens, hedges, cut flower gardens, naturalizing, pollinator and wildlife gardens.

Growing Tips

We recommend full sun for smooth hydrangeas in the cooler end of its hardiness range; afternoon shade is a good idea in warmer climates, however. The flower color of smooth hydrangeas is not influenced by soil chemistry. Makes an excellent cut flower, both cut and dried.

  • Grower Sheet: Lime Rickey® Hydrangea Grower Sheet
  • Benchcard: Lime Rickey® Hydrangea Benchcard
  • Tag: Lime Rickey® Hydrangea Tag
  • Spec Sheet: Lime Rickey® Hydrangea Spec Sheet

    • Features: Cut flower, Native, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Smooth, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Green flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Cut flower, Native, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Smooth, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Green flowers, Green foliage