Oakleaf Hydrangea

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Part shade to full sun, moderately moist to well-drained, tolerates clay and moderate drought once established; pH 5.5-6.5; the most drought-tolerant native hydrangea.

6-8 feet tall and wide in species form; blooms May-July on previous year's wood (old wood) with large conical white panicles 8-12 inches long aging to tan and papery; deeply lobed oak-like leaves turn burgundy-red in fall; peeling cinnamon-brown bark provides winter interest; spreads slowly by root suckers.

Propagation: softwood cuttings in early summer; semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Native region: Native to Tennessee; primarily in moist rocky ravines, woodland slopes, and stream bluffs, concentrated in Middle and East Tennessee.

Oakleaf hydrangea provides four-season ornamental interest, spring and early summer bloom, summer foliage texture, vivid burgundy fall color, and exfoliating bark through winter, on a native shrub that establishes readily in Middle Tennessee clay soils. Unlike Hydrangea macrophylla, old-wood blooming is rarely disrupted by zone 7a winters; the buds are substantially hardier. Pruning should occur immediately after bloom concludes in July, removing only dead wood and spent flower heads, fall or winter pruning eliminates next season's flowers. The plant is highly tolerant of low-light conditions under deciduous canopy, making it one of the best choices for shaded north-facing exposures. No significant pest or disease problems affect established plants in Tennessee. Deer occasionally browse young plants but rarely cause lasting damage to established specimens.