Since 1978 the Gold Medal Plant Award Program at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has recognized trees, shrubs, and woody vines of outstanding merit. These winners are relatively new plants or varieties that are easy to grow, pest resistant, have multiple seasons of interest, and are hardy to at least USDA zones 5 to 7.

For 2006 a new variety of panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is highlighted. 'Limelight' grows 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It produces late-summer flower clusters that are smaller and more upright than other panicle hydrangeas. The flowers start chartreuse-green and turn white, pink, and finally burgundy in fall. 'Limelight' produces flower buds on new growth in late spring, so it should be pruned in early spring to control its height. It is best planted as a foundation shrub or in a border. 'Limelight' is hardy to USDA zone 4.

For more information on 'Limelight' go to: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal Plant Awards.