Summary
With its unique, deeply lobed oak-like leaves, large flower clusters, and attractive exfoliating bark, oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is impressive when massed or used as a specimen. Its mature size ranges from 6-10’ tall with a similar spread. The 8-12” wide leaves turn red to deep purple in autumn. It excels in average to moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
The inflorescences of H. quercifolia contain many tiny green, fertile flowers and fewer showy, white sterile bracts. The bracts have significant ornamental qualities as they persist throughout the season, but unlike fertile flowers they yield no floral resources (pollen or nectar). Studies of related Hydrangea species have shown that cultivars with many bracts and few fertile flowers are less attractive to pollinators. Unlike the color-changing inflorescences of the non-native Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata, the flower color of the native species does not change depending on the acidity, or pH, of the soil in which they are grown. Fresh and dried flowers are lovely in bouquets or floral arrangements.
How to Grow Oakleaf Hydrangea
As this species blooms on old wood, pruning should occur immediately after flowering (if required). Prune any winter damaged stems in early spring.
Hydrangea quercifolia grows well with a variety of other companion shrubs including black haw (Viburnum prunifolium), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica). Zones 5-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
early-to-mid-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green, purple, red, yellow - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox