Little Lime vs Bobo hydrangea

Little Lime hydrangea and Bobo hydrangea are both dwarf cultivars of panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata). Bobo is the smaller of the two, usually reaching a maximum height of about 3 feet tall, compared to Little Lime’s mature height of up to 5 feet.

Both bloom on new wood with cone-shaped flower clusters, although the flowers of Bobo tend to be white while those of Little Lime tend to be green. That said, they both age to a lovely antique blush tone. Both varieties are easy to grow and generally quite low-maintenance.

Little Lime vs Bobo hydrangea

Little Lime and Bobo are two very popular small varieties of panicle hydrangea offered by the well-known plant brand Proven Winners. Both of these compact shrubs are well-suited to small spaces and have similar physical characteristics and low-maintenance care requirements.

The three main differences between Little Lime and Bobo hydrangea plants are the mature size, the color of the flowers, and the time of blooming.

Little Lime is a larger shrub with a more upright growth habit and green flowers that measure up to 10 inches in diameter, while Bobo is smaller with white flowers measuring only 4-6 inches across. Both varieties attract butterflies and pollinators into your garden space and require similar amounts of water, fertilizer, and pruning; however, Bobo tends to bloom before Little Lime.

Size difference 

Little Lime hydrangea grows to a mature height of 3-5 feet tall and a spread of 3-5 feet wide. Bobo hydrangea grows to a smaller 2.5 to 3 feet tall, with a spread of 3-4 feet wide. Bobo hydrangeas tend to be shorter and more compact overall than Little Lime.

Flower color variation

The flowers of ‘Little Lime’ open in a green color, which ages to pink in the fall. The flowers of ‘Bobo’ are more of a white tone with just a hint of green. Bobo flowers also turn pink in the fall. When comparing the flower clusters, those of Little Lime are generally a bit more full than the clusters of Bobo (although not always).

Blooming time

Even though both cultivars are both of the same species, these shrubs tend to bloom at different times in the Hydrangea paniculata blooming season. ‘Bobo’ tends to bloom early, around the time of ‘Little Quick Fire’. On the other hand, ‘Little Lime’ tends to bloom in the middle of the season for this species (although ‘Little Lime’ does typically bloom before the full-sized ‘Limelight’ from which it was derived).

Physical differences and similar characteristics

Little Lime and Bobo Hydrangeas are both species of Hydrangea paniculata, but they have some distinct physical differences. Little Lime is larger than Bobo, with a more upright growth habit and green flowers.

Little Lime is listed as growing to reach 3-5 feet tall, but it has been known to reach more like 6-8 feet tall if the growing conditions are good. Bobo hydrangeas usually max out at about 3 feet tall and rarely more than 4 feet. If you need a truly dwarf hydrangea, Bobo is easier to keep at 3′ tall than Little Lime is.

The flower heads on Little Lime are also bigger than those on Bobo; they measure up to 10 inches in diameter. In contrast, Bobo is smaller in size and has white flowers that measure only 4-6 inches across.

The leaves of both plants are similar in shape – ovate or elliptical – but the color varies between the two varieties. Little Lime’s foliage is dark green while Bobo’s is slightly lighter green, sometimes with a hint of blue-gray tones. Both types produce small seedpods during late summer, which add interest to the garden after flowering has finished for the season.

Both varieties hold their large clusters of blooms for a long time. They attract butterflies and other pollinators into your garden space. The blooms start out as tight buds before opening into full aged-pink blossoms over time, creating an ever-changing display throughout their growing season!

When it comes to maintenance needs, there isn’t much difference between these two hydrangeas – they require similar amounts of water and fertilizer as well as pruning requirements. They also both need an average amount of water, preferring moist soils but also generally tolerant of drought when established.

Growing preferences of Little Lime vs. Bobo varieties

Both prefer full sun to partial shade for optimal growth, but can tolerate some shade with reduced blooming. To ensure healthy growth and blooms, both need regular watering.

When planting Little Lime or Bobo Hydrangeas in your garden, make sure the soil is well-draining and has a neutral or slightly acidic pH level (6.5 – 7). That said, both these varieties are somewhat tolerant of alkaline soil. Since both these varieties are of the species Hydrangea paniculata, the pH of the soil does not change the color of the flowers.

Adding compost or mulch will help keep the soil moist and provide essential nutrients for the plant’s development. These types of hydrangeas also benefit from fertilizing twice a year – once in early spring before new growth appears and again during mid-summer after flowering. A balanced fertilizer should be used according to package instructions for best results.

It’s important to note that these plants do not like overly wet feet; if you live in an area with soggy soil, high humidity, or frequent rainstorms, you may want to consider planting them in raised beds or containers instead of directly into the ground so they don’t become waterlogged. Additionally, avoid overfertilizing as this can cause root burn, damaging your plants and polluting groundwater.

Finally, pruning is not strictly necessary each year on both Little Lime or Bobo hydrangeas; however, it can help keep the plants healthy and tidy. Pruning for both these varieties is best done in late winter or early spring. Prune lightly by removing dead woody stems at their base. This will encourage new growth throughout the season without sacrificing existing foliage too much.

Pruning requirements for cultivars of Hydrangea paniculata

Pruning is an important part of caring for Little Lime and Bobo Hydrangeas. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new buds form on the plant. This will help to encourage new growth and bloom the following season.

If you would like to keep the plant particularly small, pruning a young plant in the summertime can slightly stunt its growth. Just be sure not to remove more than 1/3 of the foliage in one season.

When pruning, removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first is important, as these can spread disease throughout the entire shrub if left unchecked. It’s also a good idea to thin out overly dense areas of foliage so that air can circulate freely around the plant, which helps prevent fungal diseases from taking hold.

Both Little Lime and Bobo hydrangeas respond well to light pruning which involves removing up to one-third of the oldest/weakest stems at their base each year; this encourages fresh growth from below ground level while still maintaining a full shapely look above ground level. If you want your hydrangea bush to stay compact, you may need to prune it more frequently as it tends to become leggy over time if not kept in check with regular trimming sessions.

Finally, don’t forget about shaping your plants after removing errant branches. Simply use hand shears or hedge trimmers (depending on size) for quick snips here and there – this will help keep both Little Lime and Bobo hydrangeas looking neat all summer long.

Fertilizing dwarf panicle hydrangeas

Fertilizing needs for both Little Lime and Bobo Hydrangeas are similar; they should be fertilized once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. You can also fertilize a second time as the blooms fade in the summer, as long as it’s not too hot. This can help the plant as it stores energy for the upcoming winter.

This will help promote healthy growth and blooms throughout the season. To ensure your hydrangeas get the nutrients they need, it’s important to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for flowering plants. Fertilizers come in different forms, including granular, liquid, and slow-release varieties.

When applying any type of fertilizer to your hydrangea bushes, follow all instructions on the label carefully. It’s also important to water your plants before applying any type of fertilizer so that it can be absorbed into the soil more easily. Additionally, avoid overfertilizing, as this can cause damage to your plants by burning their roots or leaves.

For best results when fertilizing Little Lime and Bobo hydrangeas, apply fertilizer at least six weeks before bloom in late winter or early spring while avoiding direct contact with stems and foliage since too much nitrogen can burn them. If you want bigger blooms, then add some extra phosphorus (the middle number) during the application, but do not exceed the recommended amounts stated on product labels, as this could result in plant damage due to overfeeding. Also, note that phosphorus fertilizers are restricted in some regions.

It is also important to note that if you live in an area where there is heavy rainfall, then additional applications may be necessary throughout the growing season depending on how quickly nutrients are leached from soils by rainwater runoff, which can reduce fertility levels significantly over time without replenishment via regular feeding cycles using appropriate products formulated for flowering shrubs like hydrangeas. Finally, remember to always read product labels carefully before use and never apply more than what is recommended.

Maintenance tips for small panicle cultivars

Regular maintenance is key When keeping your Little Lime or Bobo hydrangea looking its best. Deadheading spent blooms will help encourage new ones and keep the plant looking full and vibrant. To deadhead, remove any faded stem flowers with a pair of garden shears or scissors. This should be done regularly throughout the growing season to ensure that your hydrangea continues to bloom for as long as possible!

Pruning is also important in order to maintain a healthy shape and size for your hydrangeas. Pruning can be done at any time during the year, but it’s best to do so in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased branches first, then prune back stems that are too long or crossing over each other. Make sure not to prune more than one-third of the total height of the shrub at once!

Fertilizing is another important part of maintaining healthy Little Lime and Bobo Hydrangeas. These plants prefer slightly acidic soil, so using an acidifying fertilizer can help promote strong growth and abundant blooms throughout the season. Fertilize during spring and summer. Avoid getting fertilizer on leaves or stems, as this can cause burning.

Finally, water deeply but infrequently when caring for these plants – about once per week, depending on weather conditions – making sure not to overwater, which can lead to root rot problems down the line. Mulching around their bases helps retain moisture while keeping weeds from competing with them for nutrients in their soil environment.