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Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf hydrangea)

Hydrangea quercifolia Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Hydrangea quercifolia hy-DRAIN-jah kwer-sih-FOE-lee-ah Common Name: Oakleaf hydrangea Genus: Hydrangea

More drought tolerant than their classic cousins, oakleaf hydrangeas hail from the sandy stream banks of the lower southeastern United States. The coarsely textured and deeply lobed leaves are matte green, turning striking shades of red and purple in fall. In spring, they deliver nickel-size white bracts lined up in dense coneheads. As the summer wanes, the flower heads age gracefully into shades of pink, green, and ecru.


 Care: Moist, well-drained soil.
 Propagation:

Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter. 


 Problems:

 Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.;6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Fall Foliage; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Spring; Spring; Summer
Flower Color Pink Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower; White Flower
Uses Hedge, Naturalizing
Style Shade, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs,Natives

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