• Plant Limelight Hydrangea from March to November.
• These shrubs need damp soil high in organic matter. Improve poor soil areas by digging in plenty of well-decayed manure or compost a few months ahead of planting.
• Pick a spot that has dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade.
• Ensure they’re sheltered from frosty winds, which will damage blossoms.

• Bare Root: Cut open the bundle (top and roots are tied) and separate all the plants. Soak roots in buckets of water until planted. Each plant type will be labeled separately for identification. Do not expose the roots to the sun. They should never dry out. Keep roots covered. All bare-root plants must be trimmed when planted. 
• Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger container of water until they stop bubbling. Then, remove the plant from the container.

• Dig a hole at least 6" wider and the same depth as the root mass. The crown or graft of the plant should be slightly higher than the ground level where it was grown at the nursery.
• Trim off the broken roots and branches.
• Place fertilizer packets in the hole (if purchased). Do not place other fertilizers in the planting hole. *Use our recommended fertilizer.
• Spread the roots and fill halfway with the soil. Then, water until the soil settles completely, saturating the soil and planting pit.
• Re-adjust the plant and fill the hole with the rest of the soil.
• Backfill the balance of the soil and water well.

• Hydrangea Shrubs can be planted from March to November.
• Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or wider on the sides.
• Slide the plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
• With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
• Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
• Place the root ball in the hole.
• Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
• Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use our recommended fertilizer.
• Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
• Water frequently when newly planted.

• Bare Root: Prune ALL bare roots to reduce transplant shock and ensure success. Pruning should occur either before or as soon as possible after planting. All pruning should be done with sharp pruning shears.
• Containers: Although it’s not essential to be pruned after planting, a light trim to enhance the shape and remove any broken branches during shipment and will significantly improve the looks of your new planting.

Follow these pruning tips for your specific type of Limelight Hydrangea:

• Hydrangea macrophylla: Cut off spent flowers in spring and remove crowding shoots. 
• Hydrangea paniculata: Prune limelight hydrangeas’ stems to within two buds of the base in late March.
• Hydrangea petiolaris: Cut out unwanted shoots when flowers fade. Remove a third of older stems in spring.