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Common Name: oakleaf hydrangea
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Native Range: Southeastern United States
Garden Location: Cornelia Sunnen Backyard Garden
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Spread: 6 to 8 feet
Bloom Time: May to July
Bloom Color: Pink, White
Bloom Description: White changing to purplish pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Other: Winter Interest
Uses: Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Hedge, Will Naturalize
Culture
Best grown in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Mulch root zone in summer and provide somewhat constant moisture. Winter protection (e.g., burlap wrap) is advisable in USDA Zone 5, particularly when the plant is not fully established. Little pruning is needed, but should be done any time after flowering.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Oakleaf hydrangea is an upright, stoloniferous, deciduous shrub with a broad, rounded habit that typically grows 4-6' tall but frequently reaches 6-8'. Features elongated, conical clusters (4-12" long) of fertile and sterile, white flowers which slowly turn pinkish purple with age. Long late spring to summer bloom period. Distinctive, deeply lobed, somewhat coarse, oak-like, deep green leaves (to 8" long) turn attractive shades of bronze, crimson or purple in autumn. Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark which is attractive in winter.
Plant of Merit
Conical clusters of 4-12 inch long pure white flowers adorn this 6-8 foot tall shrub in a lengthy late spring to summer bloom. Flowers slowly age to pink and then brown, and are quite attractive in dried arrangements. Distinctive oak-like deep green leaves turn attractive shades of bronze, crimson and purple in fall. Exfoliating bark provides winter interest. A handsome and versatile native American shrub with outstanding year round ornamental interest.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf blight. Heavy flower panicles may droop considerably, particularly when moistened by rain.
Garden Uses
Mass or group in a mixed shrub border or naturalize in a native plant or open woodland garden. Also may be used for backgrounds, accents or specimens, foundation plantings or hedges.