Limelight Hydrangea vs Marsh Cinquefoil - TreeTime.ca

Limelight Hydrangea vs Marsh Cinquefoil

Comarum palustre

Hydrangea paniculata Limelight

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Marsh Cinquefoil
Limelight Hydrangea

Marsh Cinquefoil is a native perennial wetland plant with striking reddish-purple, star-shaped flowers. They bloom in early to mid-summer, providing nectar for bees, flies, and other pollinators. Beyond its summer blooms, the foliage turns red in autumn, adding seasonal interest to wetland landscapes.

Common in wetlands, pond margins, and wet meadows, Marsh Cinquefoil spreads by rhizomes to form colonies or patches that contribute to shoreline stabilization. It thrives in nutrient-poor, saturated soils where many other plants struggle, making it valuable in challenging wetland conditions. With its ecological function and ornamental appeal, it is well-suited for wetland plantings, ecological restoration, and naturalized projects.

Limelight Hydrangea is a flowering shrub that is known for its green flowers. As they mature, the flower colour changes from a pale green to a creamy white, followed by shades of pink and red. Hydrangea flowers persist longer compared to other flowering shrubs, blooming from late July into fall. They are a popular choice for flower arrangements.

The Limelight Hydrangea can be grown as a stand alone shrub, as a hedge, or incorporated into a flower garden. Blooms occur on new wood, so regular pruning is encouraged in late winter. This is an award winner from the Proven Winners® collection.

Marsh Cinquefoil Quick Facts

Limelight Hydrangea Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: ascending to upright
Spreading: seeds - medium, rhizomes - medium
Suckering: none


Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Flowers: dark red/maroon, star-shaped
Flowers: greenish white
Bloom time: summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: marsh five fingers, purple cinquefoil, purple marshlocks
Other Names: limelight panicle hydrangea