A handsome deciduous hydrangea with bold oak-shaped leaves that flame burgundy in autumn and conical white flower panicles ageing to pink. Offers multi-season interest in light shade.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia is a moderate-growing shrub in the Hydrangeaceae family. It reaches around 2 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with deciduous and rich in autumn colour foliage. White and pink flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf Hydrangea suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Oakleaf Hydrangea does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Oakleaf Hydrangea is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Oakleaf Hydrangea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Oakleaf Hydrangea in the garden
Oakleaf Hydrangea earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, cut flowers for the vase and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Oakleaf Hydrangea with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Oakleaf Hydrangea
Plant Sale lists Oakleaf Hydrangea as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.