Little Lime Punch® Panicle Hydrangea

Little Lime Punch is a compact panicle hydrangea whose lime-green flower heads open in early summer, turn white, and mature through pink to deep red-pink. It grows about 3–5 feet tall and wide, blooms on new wood through summer and into fall, and is listed for USDA zones 3–9; its flower color is not changed by soil pH. [Proven Winners ColorChoice](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/plant/little-lime-punch-hardy-hydrangea/) [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-lime-punch-41160) ## Seasonal display Large, conical panicles overlap as new growth and older flowers mature, so several shades can appear together. Breeder Megan Mathey selected the cultivar, sold as Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPH’. The plant patent describes a compact habit, thick foliage, strong stems, and flowers that mature to rich pink; late-season color can deepen toward red-pink. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/little-lime-punch-panicle-hydrangea-hydrangea-paniculata) [U.S. Plant Patent 33,207](https://patents.justia.com/patent/PP33207) ## Siting Grow it in full sun or part sun. In warmer regions, afternoon shade can help protect the blooms. Use moist, well-drained soil and average water; soil pH does not control flower color. The compact shrub works in mixed borders, foundation plantings, hedges, mass plantings, and patio containers, and its sturdy stems also suit fresh or dried arrangements. [Proven Winners ColorChoice](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/plant/little-lime-punch-hardy-hydrangea/) [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-lime-punch-41160) ## Maintenance Because this hydrangea flowers on new wood, prune in late winter or early spring. ColorChoice recommends removing weak central branches and reducing the plant by about one-third; dead or damaged wood can be removed as needed. The matching U.S. plant patent, PP 33,207, issued June 29, 2021.