Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is a very handsome and versatile deciduous shrub that provides a spectacular show all year round.
Hydrangea quercifolia, commonly known as Oakleaf Hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States.
Description: The Oakleaf Hydrangea is renowned for its distinct, lobed leaves, which resemble those of an oak tree, thus giving the plant its common name. Its foliage provides a magnificent display throughout the year, with green leaves in spring and summer transforming into shades of deep red, orange, and purple in the fall.
Growth Habit and Size: Typically, this hydrangea has a mounding growth habit and can reach heights of 2 to 6 feet (60-180 cm) and a similar spread, but some varieties can grow up to 8 feet (240 cm) or more.
Flowers: The plant’s panicle-shaped flower heads comprise numerous small, creamy-white flowers that gradually become pinkish-purple as they mature. Each flower head can be up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, creating a stunning visual impact.
Blooming Season: The blooming period generally starts in late spring or early summer. Lasting about 3-4 weeks, the elongated flower clusters gradually turn pink as fall approaches.
Bark: One key characteristic of Hydrangea quercifolia is its exfoliating bark, which peels back in thin layers, revealing a rich brown inner bark during the winter months. This adds an additional point of interest when the plant is leafless. Its fall color and winter bark, combined with its summer flowers, make it a plant with multi-season interest.
Hardiness: Oakleaf Hydrangea is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.
Uses: Due to its vibrant, year-round visual interest, the Oakleaf Hydrangea makes a great accent or specimen plant. It also fits well in woodland gardens, mixed borders, and as a foundation plant.
Pollinators: The blooms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are considered poisonous if ingested due to the presence of hydrangin, a cyanogenic glycoside. It’s generally safe for humans to handle, but ingestion can cause discomfort.
Deer and Rabbit: Deer are known to eat Hydrangea quercifolia, though it’s not their first choice. Rabbits may also nibble on the lower leaves and stems.
Growing an Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) in your garden can provide several benefits:
Year-Round Interest: Oakleaf hydrangea offers visual interest throughout the year. Its large, lobed leaves are attractive in the spring and summer, turn stunning shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, and reveal rich, exfoliating bark in the winter.
Attractive Flowers: The long panicles of white-to-pink flowers bloom in early summer, and the flower heads can remain on the plant long after they’ve faded, adding texture to the winter garden.
Easy to Grow: Oakleaf hydrangea is relatively easy to grow and maintain. It’s adaptable to different soil types (though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil) and is more drought-tolerant than many other types of hydrangeas once established.
Size Variability: Different varieties of Oakleaf hydrangea can suit different garden spaces. Dwarf types like ‘Pee Wee’ or ‘Munchkin’ can fit into smaller spaces, while larger varieties like ‘Snow Queen’ or ‘Alice’ can make a dramatic statement in a larger landscape.
Pollinator Attraction: The blooms of the Oakleaf hydrangea attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in your garden.
Native Plant: As a plant native to the southeastern United States, Oakleaf hydrangea can be a great choice for North American gardeners looking to incorporate more native plants into their gardens.
Versatility: Oakleaf hydrangeas are versatile in the landscape. They can be used in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or in woodland gardens. Their resistance to most pests and diseases adds to their utility in the garden.
Remember that while Oakleaf hydrangeas are more sun-tolerant than some other types, they still appreciate some shade, particularly in hotter climates. And while they’re more drought-tolerant than some hydrangeas, they’ll do best with consistent watering.
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Genus | Hydrangea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring Summer Fall Winter |
Height |
2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm) |
Spread |
2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southeast, Tennessee, United States |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
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Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Genus | Hydrangea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring Summer Fall Winter |
Height |
2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm) |
Spread |
2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southeast, Tennessee, United States |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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