Oakleaf hydrangea

Common Name: Oakleaf hydrangea
Scientific Name Genus: Hydrangea
Family Name: Hydrangeaceae

Cultural Comments

Grown best in a well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Blooms on old wood so pruning should be done following flowering before next year's buds are set. Best if sheltered during the winter in hardiness zone 5.

Native Habitat

Native to the southeastern United States. Native habitats is moist woods and stream banks.

Growth Habit

Upright, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub growing 4-6' tall (sometime 8') with equal spread.

Leaves

The common name oakleaf comes from the resemble of leaves to those of the oak. Leaves and large with 3-7 lobes and dark green. Fall color is red to purple.
Oakleaf hydrangea leaf

Bark and Stems

Bark is exfoliating. Providing ornamental interest.
Exfoliating bark

Flowers

Pyramidal panicles of white flowers in summer
oakleaf hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangea flower

Bloom Time

Summer. Flowering occurs for 6-8 weeks.

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Can have leaf blight or powdery mildew.

Varieties or Cultivars

Amethyst - upright, 6" long inflorescences. Sepals turn red. Compact form growing 5-6 foot tall and wide.
Brido - Snowflake: double white flowers. 5-8 foot tall and wide.
Queen of Hearts: large, upright flower panicles up to 9" long. Open white gradually age to a deep pink. Bloom later than most other oakleafs.
Pee Wee: compact size growing 3-4 foot tall and 3 foot wide. Smaller overall size, leaves, and flowers.
Ruby Slippers: compact form growing 3-4 foot tall and 3-5 foot wide. Large upright panicles of white flowers mature to ruby red.

Landscape Uses

Good specimen or foundation plant. Also good in mass. Multiseason plant with summer flowers, good fall color, and interesting bark in winter. More compact cultivars are good for near building or patios.