Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)

Providing interest almost all year round, Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is a medium-sized, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub of dense, rounded habit. From late spring to midsummer, it boasts large, magnificent, conical flower heads, up to 12 in. (30 cm), packed with creamy-white florets. Long-lasting, the blossoms gradually turn rosy-pink as they mature, then tan to brown at the end of the summer. They persist on the bush until mid-winter. The beautiful foliage of large, deeply lobed, oak-like, dark green leaves, 3-8 in. (7-20 cm), turns rich red to burgundy in the fall. In the winter, the rich cinnamon brown exfoliating bark becomes a real center of attraction. Noted for its distinct, boldly lobed leaves and superb blooms, this exquisite southeastern US native is worth growing as a garden focal point or combined with other shrubs or perennials. One of the best landscape plants for plantings at the edge of woodlands.

• Grows 6-8 ft tall and wide (180-240 cm). Oakleaf Hydrangea is stoloniferous and will spread to form thickets.
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in fertile, moist, acid, well-drained soils. A tremendous advantage of the Oakleaf Hydrangea is that it can thrive in much dryer locations than its cousins. It can also thrive in much sunnier areas than the mophead and lacecap hydrangeas. Tolerant to dry conditions and sandy soil, but it doesn’t like having wet feet. Native to woodlands in the southeastern part of the United States, Oakleaf Hydrangea prefers filtered sun or shade during the hottest part of the day.
• It is a great candidate for mass plantings, hedges, and mixed shrub borders, as a backdrop or accent plant. Flowers are very attractive in dried arrangements
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for leaf blight and powdery mildew.
• Since this hydrangea flowers on the previous year’s growth, it should be pruned shortly after flowering is complete.
• Propagate by seed or cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken early.
• Hydrangea quercifolia species is native to the southeastern United States.
• Foliage can aggravate skin allergies. Mild stomach upset is possible if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.