Hydrangea arborescens Lime Rickey

Hydrangea arborescens Lime Rickey, also known as Hydrangea arborescens Lime Rickey ('Smnhalr'), is a new selection of arborescent hydrangea that is perfect for small spaces and beginner gardeners. This compact and bushy shrub forms strong stems for this type of hydrangea, and its inflorescences display a shape and colour never seen before in arborescent hydrangeas. Its flowerheads change from creamy green to jade green and are dusted with pink pollen when ripe. They are long-lasting and remain decorative from July until the first frost. Blooming on new shoots, it can be pruned at any time of the year, even in winter. This hydrangea is ideal for the garden or terrace. Its spectacular flowers are also beautiful in fresh or dried bouquets.

Hydrangea arborescens, or Smooth Hydrangea, belongs to the large Hydrangeaceae family. This botanical species, native to the Southeastern United States, is less demanding in terms of shade and soil than its Asian counterparts. It has given rise to numerous varieties through hybridisation, which have proven to be excellent garden shrubs, such as the famous 'Annabelle'. Their foliage is deciduous, developing in spring and falling in autumn.

Lime Rickey was recently obtained in the United States. It is a compact, well-branched, floriferous shrub that decorates the garden from July until the first frost. This hardy plant reliably reblooms on new shoots, even after cold winters. It has strong stems, reaching up to 1 m (3.3 ft) and forming a bush of the same width. From July onwards, it is crowned with beautiful hemispherical corymbs that continue to bloom until late summer. The sturdy stems effortlessly support the weight of the flowers, even when they are soaked with rain. These inflorescences are made up of a multitude of small flowers with 3 to 4 petals, initially greenish in colour and evolving towards a more pronounced green while the stamens are dusted with pink pollen. The whole is enhanced by deep green foliage, which is composed of beautiful, simple leaves measuring 10 cm to 15 cm (3.9 in to 5.9 in) in length, ovate and pointed, with toothed edges. Hydrangeas can live for many years in the garden, often more than 50 years.

Lime Rickey is the perfect choice for gardeners who want an easy-to-grow hydrangea. It will suit any good garden soil. If your decor is rather contemporary, or if you have a small city garden, this compact shrub will provide a natural and romantic touch. Hydrangea arborescens Lime Rickey elegantly dresses shaded areas, whether planted alone or combined with other brightly coloured hydrangeas. It can be surrounded by pink lilies, veronicas, or even hellebores, daffodils, and pansies that extend the flowering period and complete the range of colours. Lastly, while it is superb in flower beds and flowering hedges, it is also perfect for use in pots or containers on a terrace. Cut its flowers to create beautiful bouquets!