Lemon Daddy Hydrangea

Don't get us wrong, the blooms on this shrub are gorgeous. But there's a reason the name Lemon Daddy Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lemon Daddy') is what it is. The brilliant yellow foliage is the real star of the show this time!

This deciduous shrub starts its yearly act with the main attraction. No warm-up needed. As the days get longer and the air warmer, Lemon Daddy unfurled its bright yellow, densely packed, foliage for all to see.

Forget the usual dark green. These leaves mean business. Planted next to just about any other bush, the stark contrast compliments perfectly!

We can't forget about the flowers though, because they are a sight to be seen as well. Clearly, Lemon Daddy isn't here to underwhelm you. Like Big Daddy Hydrangea, this shrub is graced with big mopheads of pink or blue blossoms in the summer.

Yes, we said pink OR blue. This is one of those hydrangeas that will bloom a pretty pink when in alkaline soil and light blue in acidic soil. Simply pick which you like better, or trade-off every other year to keep your neighbors guessing!

The blooms are great off the plant too. Snip a few and bring them in, along with a branch or two of leaves, to brighten up your bouquets! They'll do wonders to a dining room table or on the windowsill above your kitchen sink!

Should you want to keep your blossoms outside and on the shrub, you'll be rewarded with a plethora of pollinators like butterflies! They'll flutter by in awe of the color and stop for a snack too.

As if Lemon Daddy wasn't giving enough, this bush will turn a pleasing shade of overcast orange in the fall. It'll perfectly match the autumn aesthetic of the rest of the garden!

Even if your gardens are already filled with Hydrangeas, you are going to want a Lemon Daddy Hydrangea included! The brilliant yellow and sometimes chartreuse-colored foliage will add a pop to even the darkest of flower beds. Order yours today!

How to Use Lemon Daddy Hydrangea in the Landscape

Since Lemon Daddy has such unique foliage for a hydrangea, the ways in which it can be used are extensive! Not only can you use it anywhere you'd put any other hydrangea type, but you can also use it in new places too!

Do you have a flower bed full of dark leaves? Don't leave it up to the various perennial blooms to liven things up, add a Lemon Daddy! It'll give your garden a nice contrast before the flowers even develop.

Use this shrub in high-profile locations like your front entryway or at the ends of your driveway. That way you can give a bold and decisive first impression.

Planting near your back patio is also a great idea. It'll ensure the shrub gets the attention it deserves while you and your guests are lounging in the warm summer sun!

If you have a walkway or property line that could use a little definition, plant Lemon Daddy! A row of them makes a fantastic border.

Maybe the east side of your home could use a little pick-me-up of color. Foundation planting is this hydrangeas specialty!

There simply isn't anywhere wrong to plant Lemon Daddy. It'll shine in any and all parts of the garden!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Hydrangeas aren't hard to care for. All in all, they're an accent plant worth investing in, even if you have a self-diagnosed brown thumb!

The most important part of keeping your Lemon Daddy happy is to get the soil it is planted in just right. It likes evenly moist, rich, well-drained soil. Slightly acidic is best and will produce lovely blue flowers for you.

Planting in partial sun will give you the brightest foliage, but it'll do well in partial shade too. The less sun it gets, the more chartreuse the leaf color will be.

This is one plant you'll want to consider mulching around. Adding a layer of mulch starting one inch away from the base is a great way to keep the roots moist without being soggy, which is excellent for flower development.

You'll want to wait to prune back any branches that seem like they might have been damaged in the winter until it is clear where the shrub will grow from. As the summer progresses, cut out flowering stems as needed to give younger branches room to grow.

Don't wait, brighten your garden today by ordering a Lemon Daddy Hydrangea from our expert growers at Nature Hills Nursery!