Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
Oakleaf Hydrangea. Hydrangea quercifolia, the oakleaf hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and west to Louisiana. Named for its deeply lobed oak-shaped leaves, it produces large cone-shaped flower clusters in early summer that open white and age to dusty pink, followed by brilliant burgundy-red fall foliage and cinnamon exfoliating bark for winter interest.
Growing & care
- Sun: morning sun with afternoon shade; tolerates more sun in northern parts of its range. Deep shade reduces flowering.
- Water: consistent moisture, especially for the first two years. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool.
- Soil: rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral. Tolerates clay better than other hydrangeas.
- Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9. Flower buds may freeze in zone 5 winters; mulch the crown for protection.
- Mature size: 6–8 feet tall and wide; dwarf cultivars like 'Pee Wee' stay around 3 feet.
- Pruning: prune only immediately after flowering — flower buds form on old wood and pruning later removes next year's bloom.
Propagation
Softwood cuttings in early summer root readily under intermittent mist in coarse perlite. Layering also works: pin a low branch to the ground, scratch the bark on the underside, and pile soil over the spot — roots form in a season and can be severed in fall. Seed propagation is unreliable for named cultivars.
Common problems
Leaf scorch and wilting in afternoon sun signal insufficient water or insufficient shade. Aphids occasionally appear on new growth; a strong hose spray dislodges them. Deer browse the foliage in some areas. Oakleaf hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats if leaves or flower buds are eaten in quantity — keep pets away from fallen pruning debris.
Oakleaf Hydrangea — seeds, tools & books
Native range
Native to 9 states
