Oakleaf Hydrangea
Looking for a blooming native plant that thrives in the shade? Look no further than oakleaf hydrangea.
Characteristics
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a coarse-textured shrub that works well as an understory plant below large trees like live oaks. It is one of a few native hydrangeas in Florida.
Each spring and summer, oakleaf hydrangea puts up huge cone-shaped clusters of white flowers that will stay on the plant for months, eventually changing to a light pink or purple, then tan.
The broad, dark green leaves are oakleaf-shaped, giving the plant its name. They make an attractive backdrop for other plants. The leaves are largest on plants grown in the shade, reaching 8 to 12 inches long. They turn red, bronze or purple in the fall and may stay on the plant well into winter, though ultimately the plant is deciduous.
Even when its stems are bare, oakleaf hydrangea still adds interest to the landscape thanks to the interesting reddish-brown bark that peels back along its stems.
These large shrubs can reach 6 to 10 feet tall and spread 3 to 5 feet. Its size makes the oakleaf hydrangea perfect as a landscape specimen or hedge. The flowers and seeds attract pollinators and birds, making these plants excellent for wildlife sightings.
If you have limited space, try one of the more compact cultivars like ‘Pee Wee’. Several cultivars are available that offer superior flowers. ‘Snow Queen’ is known for its transition from white to pink blooms. ‘Snow Flake’ has large double flowers, while ‘Harmony’ is known for its heavy flower clusters up to 12 inches long.
Planting and Care
Oakleaf hydrangea is suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5a-9b. It will perform best if planted in a fertile, well-drained soil, but it will also tolerate other conditions. Pick a spot that has partial to almost full shade. In some climates, oakleaf hydrangea can be grown in full sun, but in Florida it needs at least some shade.
The plant can be somewhat sprawling and is known to send up new shoots, so be sure to leave it plenty of room to grow. For a fuller shrub, cut old growth or pinch new growth by removing the top part of the plant shoot or stem. Complete any pruning shortly after flowering to ensure next year’s blooms, which develop on old wood, are not removed.
Follow UF/IFAS guidelines for planting shrubs, and provide water until the plant is established. After that, your oakleaf hydrangea should be relatively easy to care for, aside from watering during extended dry periods or pruning occasionally to maintain form.
In North Florida, the top of the shrub might die back in winter and will need shelter from high winds. There are no major concerns for pests or disease, with occasional susceptibility to aphids, spider mites, leaf blight and powdery mildew. Keep in mind that this plant is toxic to pets.
For more information on oakleaf hydrangea, contact your county Extension office.