In The Limelight

Blooms in chartreuse hues steal the show in any garden

- Heather Ray

1 Green Star gladiola

GLADIOLUS, ZONES 8 TO 11

This rising star is ideal for adding tiers of height to your garden. About 10 to 12 of the 3-inch florets along the stem open all at once during their July and August performances. Butterflies are also big fans. Grow Green Star near burgundy, purple or white blooms.

Why we love it: Reaching 4 feet tall, these pastel giants add drama to summer bouquets.

2 Envy zinnia

ZINNIA, ANNUAL

It’s not the color of these nearly 3-inch double and semidouble chartreuse blooms that invokes garden envy—it’s how easy zinnias are to grow. They grow quickly from seed, pop with color all summer long and they make lovely cut flowers. Plus their 2-foot height shades out weeds.

Why we love it: In addition to all the pros of zinnias, they happen to be hummingbird and butterfly magnets.

3 Little Lime hydrangea

HYDRANGEA PANICULATA, ZONES 4 TO 8

Little Lime is a dwarf version of the popular Limelight hydrangea, but it still puts on a big show. Growing between 3 and 5 feet, it makes an attractive border for smaller spaces. Sturdy stems mean this smaller specimen knows how to hold its head up high, refusing to be overshadowed.

Why we love it: Although gorgeous in pale green, it’s pretty in pink in the late summer, as it begins to blush when fall is in the air.

4 Green Gambler hellebore

HELLEBORUS, ZONES 4 TO 9