This is just a guess, but if the Encores were doing well there, I think Limelight would do fine. Mine is planted near several large native trees, is on the further edge from the sprinkler system and is doing beautifully. (It gets aLOT of sun too).

"Limelight" is a PeeGee type and does best in full sun, these hydranges are not really shade hydrangas. May do okay in part shade but blooming won't be near potential. You're better off with a macrophylla or oakleaf type.

Southern sun is so intense that even paniculatas appreciate some afternoon shade (mid afternoon on, say). The blooms will last longer with it, and believe me, it doesn't reduce their blooms at all.

Good point, Donna