Hello friends! Today, I’ll be doing something you’ve long requested: comparing two incredibly popular hydrangeas.
QUICK ANSWER: The main difference between them is that Phantom has white flowers, while Limelight has lime-colored ones. Additionally, Limelight’s flower clusters are denser, whereas Phantom tends to fall apart during a storm.
1. Color
Phantom has white flowers, unlike Limelight. There might be a slight greenish tint, but overall, the color of this variety can be described as creamy white. As the season progresses, the color turns to a pale pink, and in the fall, it becomes a rich dark pink.
Limelight, on the other hand, has vibrant green flowers at the beginning of the season. The color fades a bit over time but remains noticeable. By the end of the season, the flowers turn a rich pink or even red.
2. Flowers
Phantom has larger flower clusters than Limelight. They can reach up to 15 inches in length and have a typical conical shape. The number of flowers in the cluster is fewer than in Limelight, making it look loose.
Limelight, on the other hand, has smaller flower clusters that reach 11-12 inches in length. Their shape is also conical, but they are much denser than Phantom. Thanks to the higher number of flowers in the cluster, Limelight looks much fuller and richer than Phantom.
3. Size
Phantom is larger than Limelight. It reaches up to 10 feet in height and 10 feet in width. Its shape resembles a mound, and it takes many years to reach this size.
The height of Limelight usually does not exceed 8 feet, and its width is 7 feet. It has a slightly upward stretched shape.
This means that growing Phantom requires more space. Additionally, its care will be slightly more complicated, which we will discuss further.
4. Branches
A drawback of Phantom is that it tends to fall apart. This is because its branches are longer than Limelight’s but not stronger. Therefore, in stormy weather, they can’t withstand the weight of the clusters and droop to the ground.
Limelight, on the other hand, has shorter, sturdier branches that can handle the weight of the flower clusters well. This hydrangea almost never falls apart, even during heavy rain and wind.
5. Watering
Since Phantom is a larger hydrangea, it requires more water. It usually needs 1-2 gallons of water when young and 3-4 gallons when mature.
For watering Limelight, one gallon of water is usually sufficient, and only in maturity does it need 2 or more gallons.
You should also remember that the soil around the hydrangea should dry out by 1 inch between waterings. If you don’t follow this rule, there is a risk of root rot.
6. Feeding
Additionally, Phantom requires more fertilizer than Limelight. I usually fertilize these hydrangeas twice a year. The first time is in early spring, and the second time is after the start of flowering.
I use a slow-release fertilizer for hydrangeas that, among other things, contains calcium. Calcium is critically necessary for Phantom to have stronger branches. For it, I use 30% more fertilizer than for Limelight.
🌺If you have any questions or comments, be sure to leave them in the comments!🌺
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Thank you very much. I acquired 2 Phantoms in 2021 and I haven’t been able to find out much about them. I was actually looking for limelights at the time, but this was during Covid and the local nursery only had phantoms. Mine have been in the ground 4 years now and don’t look nearly has stunning as the newer varieties of panicles my neighbor planted last year. I’ve been debating whether to give them another year or 2 or pull them and replace with something else. The one in full sun flowers better than the one in part sun. Problem is I don’t have room to plant them somewhere else and other than not being as showy, they are healthy plants.
What kind of sun light requirements
Hi,
Phantom Hydrangea prefers 4–6 hours of sun and does best with some afternoon shade.
Limelight Hydrangea thrives in full sun (6+ hours) and tolerates heat better.