Oakleaf Hydrangea

Oakleaf Hydrangea earns its place in the garden through nearly every season. Large, pyramidal flower clusters open creamy white in late spring and early summer before gradually taking on shades of pink and parchment brown. The smaller fertile flowers tucked among the showier florets offer pollen and nectar to visiting bees. Broad, oak-shaped leaves provide handsome texture throughout summer, then transform into a rich mix of burgundy, crimson, and russet in fall.

Native to the southeastern United States, this substantial, multi-stemmed shrub is equally at home as a specimen, informal hedge, or woodland-edge accent. It performs best in partial shade with organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil, although it can tolerate more sun where adequate moisture is available. As the shrub matures, older stems develop peeling cinnamon-brown bark, ensuring that Oakleaf Hydrangea remains interesting even after its leaves have fallen.

• Maintain consistent moisture during establishment and apply mulch to help keep the root zone cool.
• Oakleaf Hydrangea blooms on old wood, so prune only when necessary and immediately after flowering.
• Late-season or winter pruning can remove the following year’s flower buds.
• This is not a deer-resistant plant! Protection will be necessary via cage or other means if browsing by deer is an issue in your area.