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Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)

Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Oak-leaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea Quercifolia, Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Oak-leaf Hydrangea, white flowers, white hydrangea, Hydrangea Bush
Hydrangea Quercifolia, Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Oak-leaf Hydrangea, white flowers, white hydrangea, Hydrangea Bush
Hydrangea Quercifolia, Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Oak-leaf Hydrangea, white flowers, white hydrangea, Hydrangea Bush

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, acidwell-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.

Hydrangea: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Hydrangea care: Cultivating these beautiful flowers requires attention and finesse to thrive. Here are some tips on how to plant and grow hydrangea successfully.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 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
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Common names Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 96" (240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
Tolerance Dry Soil
Attracts Birds, Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Kardinal Violet’
Hydrangea macrophylla Wedding Gown™
Hydrangea serrata Tuff Stuff™ (Mountain Hydrangea)
Hydrangea macrophylla Cityline® Venice
Hydrangea macrophylla Cityline® Vienna
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Heaven’

Recommended Companion Plants

Rudbeckia hirta ‘Prairie Sun’ (Black-Eyed Susan)
Ilex decidua (Possumhaw)
Picea pungens ‘Hoopsii’ (Colorado Spruce)
Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ (Smokebush)
Picea omorika ‘Pendula Bruns’ (Serbian Spruce)
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yakushima Dwarf’ (Chinese Silver Grass)
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
Agastache ‘Black Adder’ (Giant Hyssop)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea)
Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)
Hydrangea Types – Which one is yours?
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea)
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Pacific Northwest Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Mid-Atlantic Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for New England
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Coastal South Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Lower South Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Middle South Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Upper South Region
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
Hydrangea: Plant Care and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 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
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Common names Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 96" (240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
Tolerance Dry Soil
Attracts Birds, Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hydrangea
Guides with
Hydrangea
Not sure which Hydrangea to pick?
Compare Now

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