As FG says, garden centres buy in stock that's been forced in polytunnels (probably in mass production in Holland). This can make it leggy and a bit vulnerable. But Limelight is very sturdy - much less prone to flop than Annabelle. Cut to a foot high framework in early spring, and next year's growth should be more self supporting especially if you don't overdo the manure and watering. You don't have to do this every winter if you prefer to let the plant grow into a larger 'tree' shape.
If it's in desperate need of tidying up now, prune to a healthy pair of leaves to release the weight of the flower heads or over-long stems, a bit of a shame but this will do no harm.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
Thank you for your reply. I did suspect it was the forcing that made it vulnerable. I have a height I'd like it to reach so that it fills the space but doesn't obscure the plant I've planted behind it too much for the first few years, but I do want it to bush out and be sturdy. When the viburnum opulus behind it gets going, it will eventually be much taller and I'll be able to let the hydrangea grow a bit more as well. It's not in need of tidying at the moment as I got to it in time with the stakes and the rain is washing the mud off! It'd be a great shame to cut it down now before it's had a chance to do its thing, but I guess if push comes to shove, at least they make good floral arrangements.
In my experience Paniculata takes a couple of years to get established. Prune it in early March but not too harshly and give it good support. It will bush out eventually.
I think nurseries often intentionally grow them narrow and uniform in shape, so they can fit the maximum number of plants on a trolley, making transport and watering easier. It's probably breathing a sigh of relief now it can spread sideways...
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
Lol! Yes, it was certainly letting its hair down, stretching out on the sofa and marking its territory last night. I think it has a definite personality, and it's one I can imagine becoming a large presence. It has a kind of drag queen air about it. Not a shrinking violet in any sense of the word.
Yes, Climate is a very important factor during gardening. Depending on the temperature to which they are exposed, flowers and plants react differently. Limelight Hydrangeas perform best in locations that get full sun or at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. In warmer climates, it is best to provide afternoon shade. In colder climates, the more sun the plant gets the better.
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I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
If it's in desperate need of tidying up now, prune to a healthy pair of leaves to release the weight of the flower heads or over-long stems, a bit of a shame but this will do no harm.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...