Do oakleaf hydrangeas like sun or shade?
In their native habitat, oakleaf hydrangeas are understory plants, thus they appreciate some afternoon shade, especially in southern climates, where nearly full shade may be needed. In the North, oakleaf hydrangeas can get by with full sun.
How do you care for oak leaf hydrangeas in the fall?
In southern climates, give them afternoon shade. In the North, oakleaf hydrangeas can get by with less shade. Too much shade may reduce the intensity of their fall-foliage color. Grow them in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic soil pH and plenty of compost.
Can hydrangeas be planted in the shade?
If planted on the north side of a house, the shrub should perform well. Growing hydrangeas in deep shade, however, can reduce flowering. The oakleaf species originated in the moist woodlands of the southeastern states. In the wild, this hydrangea is an understory shrub, often found in the shade of large oaks, hickories and pines.
What is the most popular oak leaf hydrangea?
Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties 'Snow Queen': One of the most popular cultivars of oakleaf hydrangea is 'Snow Queen', which produces panicles of white flowers in early summer that gradually fade to pinkish-brown by fall. The floral display is very long-lasting.
Can oak leaf hydrangeas grow in shade?
In their native habitat, oakleaf hydrangeas are understory plants, so they appreciate afternoon shade, especially in southern climates where nearly full shade may be necessary. In the North, oakleaf hydrangeas can get by with full sun. Too much shade may reduce the intensity of the fall color.
How many hours of sun does an oakleaf hydrangea need?
three to four hoursBecause these amazing beauties can bloom in full shade, unlike other types of hydrangeas that need at least three to four hours of sun per day to bloom well, the shadiest spot in your garden can be bursting with flowers.
Where is the best place to plant an oakleaf hydrangea?
Ideally, plant them where they get direct sunlight in the morning and more shade in the afternoon. These shrubs can grow in cooler regions, down to USDA plant hardiness zone 5. However, you'll find that growing oakleaf hydrangeas is easier in regions that get some heat in summer.
How much shade can an oakleaf hydrangea tolerate?
They are drought-tolerant once established, but often need supplemental watering the first two years, especially in sunnier spots. In the Triangle area, they thrive in the morning or filtered sunlight with shade in the afternoon. Oakleaf hydrangeas also perform well in all but the deepest shade.
What is the most shade tolerant hydrangea?
Oakleaf hydrangeas are the best choice for shady conditions. They earn the name from their dramatic oak-shaped leaves! It's easy to enjoy oakleaf hydrangeas in all four seasons with fuzzy spring buds, giant flowers in summer, vibrant fall foliage, and peeling winter bark.
How do I get more blooms on my oakleaf hydrangea?
Oakleaf hydrangeas produce flower buds the year before they bloom. Keep pruning to a minimum to maximize the floral display. Remove only the damaged and wayward branches each year as needed. This helps control the plant's size while encouraging it to bloom.
What should I plant in front of oakleaf hydrangea?
Taller ferns, such as ostrich or cinnamon ferns, and shorter grass-like plants, such as liriope, also harmonize well with oakleaf hydrangeas. Easy-care oakleaf hydrangea offers year-round interest, which makes it especially valuable in the landscape.
How big will an oakleaf hydrangea get?
Mature Size The oakleaf hydrangea grows to a height of 4–6' and a spread of 4–6' at maturity.
Should I deadhead my oakleaf hydrangea?
Although pruning is rarely necessary, be sure to do so after blooming and before August. The following year's flower buds are set in late summer and early fall. “Deadhead” old blossoms anytime by simply snipping them off. I like to leave the flowers on the plant to enjoy into the winter months.
Can hydrangeas take full shade?
These shrubs grow best in partial or full shade, with a little direct morning sun and a lot of indirect light, such as the filtered light found under a high-canopied leafy tree. Many varieties of hydrangea love this type of location.
Why are my oakleaf hydrangeas not blooming?
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, these plants are slow-growing and might not bloom the first season. Once established, though, they bloom fairly predictably when given proper care. A lack of blooms is usually caused by improper pruning practices or inadequate water.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas lose leaves in winter?
As many summer-flowering shrubs wither and drop their leaves, oakleaf hydrangea foliage puts on a fall coat of glorious, showy color, ranging from red to purple to bronze. Technically deciduous, it holds its leaves into early winter. When they drop, the bare shrub showcases its rusty, peeling branches and stems.
Do hydrangeas prefer morning or afternoon sun?
Can hydrangeas grow in full sun? Hydrangeas like morning sun, but do not do well if they're in direct, hot afternoon sun. Partial shade in the later parts of the day is ideal for these beauties.
Should you deadhead oakleaf hydrangea?
Although pruning is rarely necessary, be sure to do so after blooming and before August. The following year's flower buds are set in late summer and early fall. “Deadhead” old blossoms anytime by simply snipping them off. I like to leave the flowers on the plant to enjoy into the winter months.
Can hydrangeas get too much sun?
Too much sun exposure can cause your hydrangea shrubs to burn on its leaves and blooms. Also, be sure to put your fingers in the soil to see if it needs watering.
What type of hydrangeas can take full sun?
Most hydrangeas prefer only morning sun. Yet one type of hydrangea can soak up the sun all day: the panicle hydrangea. While they can stand the sun, these do just fine in partial shade, too. Plus, panicle hydrangeas are the hardiest hydrangeas.
Oakleaf Hydrangea Information
Native to the southeastern part of the country, oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are attractive all year long. These hydrangea shrubs blo...
Growing Oakleaf Hydrangeas
When you start growing oakleaf hydrangeas, you need to learn more about oakleaf hydrangea care. Like most hydrangeas, oakleaf requires a location w...
How to Care For An Oakleaf Hydrangea
If you planted your hydrangea correctly, you should find that growing oakleaf hydrangeas is not difficult. These native shrubs are virtually diseas...
What color are oak leaf hydrangeas?
While the leaves of other hydrangea species are round or oval, oakleaf foliage is deeply lobed like that of an oak leaf. Additionally, unlike the vast majority of hydrangea foliage, oakleaf's leaves turn a deep maroon in the autumn. The plant can grow up to 10 feet high and 8 feet wide. It produces pyramidal clusters of white flowers in early summer that mature to shades of pink in autumn. The more direct sun the plant receives, the more the flower colors fade.
What hydrangeas can take the most direct sun?
The hydrangea species that can take the most direct sun is the panicle hydrangea ( Hydrangea paniculata ), which thrives in USDA zones 3 though 8. Panicle hydrangea blossoms resemble those of oakleaf, growing in elongated white panicles that turn toward pink or lilac with age. However, panicle produces buds on new wood, while oakleaf sets buds on old wood. The bloom times also differ. Oakleaf hydrangea starts blooming in early summer while panicle doesn't get going until mid-summer and continues flowering through September.
How to grow oak leaf in the sun?
For best results with a full-sun oakleaf, plant it in deep, well-drained soil and add a 3-inch layer of organic mulch across its entire root area, keeping it several inches away from plant foliage.
Do oak leaf hydrangeas like sun?
Oakleafs, native to woodlands in the southeastern part of the United States, also prefer filtered sun or shade during the hottest part of the day. However, like other hydrangeas, the amount of sun they tolerate depends on the cultivar, the climate and the water available.
Do hydrangeas need sun?
Many hydrangea species and cultivars offer the ubiquitous white, pink or blue flower globes on mounds of deep-green foliage. The oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia) stands apart from other species in both looks and habits. A native American species, it thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 though 9. While this shrub tolerates full sun to part shade, with dappled shade being ideal, you should take a few extras steps in your oak leaf hydrangea care to ensure a healthy plant.
How to identify oakleaf hydrangea?
Image by Gardening Know How, via Nikki Tilley. You’ll recognize oakleaf hydrangea by its foliage. The leaves are lobed and resemble those of oak trees. Oakleafs are native to the United States, unlike their famous cousins with pink and blue “ mophead ” flowers, and are tough, cold hardy, and drought resistant. ...
How tall does an oak leaf hydrangea grow?
Oakleaf hydrangea information tells you that the plants can grow 10 feet (3 m.) tall with an 8 foot (2 m.) spread.
When do oak leaf hydrangeas bloom?
Native to the southeastern part of the country, oakleaf hydrangeas ( Hydrangea quercifolia) are attractive all year long. These hydrangea shrubs bloom in spring and early summer. The panicle flowers are greenish white when they are young, picking up subtle shades of pink and brown as they age. After new flowers stop coming, the blooms stay on the plant and look lovely as they mature.
Can you grow oakleaf hydrangeas in winter?
They are also lovely and interesting shrubs in winter since the bark peels back, revealing the dark layer beneath. These features make it a pleasure to start growing oakleaf hydrangeas in your garden. You will find that oakleaf hydrangea care is quite easy.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas need sun?
When you start growing oakleaf hydrangeas, you need to learn more about oakleaf hydrangea care. Like most hydrangeas, oakleaf requires a location with some sun and well-draining soil to thrive.
Can oakleaf hydrangeas grow in zone 5?
These shrubs can grow in cooler regions, down to USDA plant hardiness zone 5. However, you’ll find that growing oakleaf hydrangeas is easier in regions that get some heat in summer.
How tall does Oakleaf Hydrangea grow?
Typically growing 4 to 8 feet tall, this multi-stemmed shrub spreads by suckering, and has a rounded upright growth habit. Oakleaf hydrangea makes a good specimen plant, and it also works well as a foundation plant or when massed in shrub borders or open woodland gardens.
What is an oak leaf hydrangea?
Oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia) is a flowering deciduous shrub with large clusters of flowers and large distinctive leaves with lobes like those of an oak tree. ( Quercifolia means "oakleaf" in Latin). This shrub is prized for its long-lasting flowers that emerge white but gradually transition to purplish pink.
What is the color of the snow queen hydrangea?
'Snow Queen': One of the most popular cultivars of oakleaf hydrangea is 'Snow Queen', which produces panicles of white flowers in early summer that gradually fade to pinkish-brown by fall. The floral display is very long-lasting.
How to grow a sage plant from cuttings?
Plant the cuttings in moist, sterile potting mix. Place the planted cuttings in a plastic bag and keep them out of direct sunlight. Make sure the soil remains moist but not soggy. Within about 12 weeks, root growth should be sufficient to transplant the plant into the garden or a larger pot for continued growth.
How to keep plants moist?
These plants appreciate moist soil, and the more sunlight they receive, the more water they need. Blanketing the ground with a thick layer of mulch will help maintain soil moisture.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas need sun?
In the North, oakleaf hydrangeas can get by with full sun. Too much shade may reduce the intensity of the fall color.
Can hydrangeas get blighted?
Oakleaf hydrangea suffers from no serious pest or disease issues, but non-threatening powdery mildew or leaf blight may occur. Aphids and spiders can also sometimes appear.
What is the best soil for oak leaf hydrangeas?
The standard moist, well-drained soil provides ideal growing conditions for oakleaf hydrangeas. That said, established plants can tolerate some drought, though it may shorten the lifespan of the flowers if dry conditions are severe and persistent. A 2-3" layer of shredded bark mulch is recommended all year-round to protect the shallow roots.
Where do oak leaf hydrangeas grow?
Oakleaf hydrangeas are native to a wide swath of the Southeastern United States and are found abundantly from North Carolina south to Florida, and east into Louisiana. They are hardy to USDA zone 5, and as their steamy Southern range would suggest, very heat tolerant.
Why are my oak leaf hydrangeas turning brown?
However, this is a natural, genetic color change, and is not impacted by soil chemistry. If the blooms on these varieties turn brown instead of pink, that usually indicates the plant was getting enough water or otherwise experienced stress during its bloom time .
How tall is an oak leaf hydrangea?
In the wild, oakleaf hydrangeas reach some pretty generous proportions: up to 10'+ tall and wide under ideal growing conditions. Fortunately, the cultivated varieties that we have selected offer a broad range of more landscape-friendly sizes and habits, so with a bit of browsing, you'll find one that works for your space and taste.
Do oak leaf hydrangeas have problems?
Though they are largely problem-free, oakleaf hydrangeas do have a few minor issues to be aware of.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas need to be established?
Every landscape or garden needs an oakleaf hydrangea! These beautiful North American natives have so much to recommend them: bold foliage, big, fragrant summer blooms, the best fall color of any hydrangea, and in winter, dramatic peeling bark. Though they do need some time to get established in the garden before they begin to come into their own, they more than merit the patience they require. They are super reliable, long-lived, and as good for wildlife as they are for the human soul.
What is the color of oakleaf hydrangea?
The versatile shrub maintains year-round ornamental interest, beginning with a long blooming season from spring into summer. Clusters of white flowers slowly transition to a pinkish-purple. In autumn, the oakleaf hydrangea's deeply lobed leaves turn mahoghany-red. Exfoliating stems reveal a rich brown inner bark, providing beauty even in winter.
How tall does a hydrangea bush get?
Grown under the right conditions, the bush can reach 6 to 10 feet high in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
What are the different types of hydrangeas?
Among those in the 3- to 4-foot range are "Little Honey," "Pee Wee," "Sike's Dwarf," "Munchkin" and "Ruby Slippers." "Alice," a standard, boasts unusually rich autumn foliage color, while "Snowflake" bears double flowers. Along with the species commonly called peegee (Hydrangea paniculata), the oakleaf features cone-shaped flower clusters, rather than the ball-shaped or flat-topped clusters of all other hydrangeas.
Can oak leaf hydrangeas survive drought?
If your soil is acidic, add a little lime. Though the shrub can survive a drought, it may abort its budding flowers. Provide a steady source of moisture, especially in summer. Mulching the root zone helps retain water.
Can hydrangeas be planted in a row?
This hydrangea works well in foundation plantings, or you can plant a row as a hedge or privacy screen. Because of the similarity of their leaf shape, it is a natural growing under the canopy of an old oak tree. av-override. ‒‒:‒‒.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas grow in shade?
Oakleaf hydrangea flourishes in partial shade. A location exposed to morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. If planted on the north side of a house, the shrub should perform well. Growing hydrangeas in deep shade, however, can reduce flowering. The oakleaf species originated in the moist woodlands of the southeastern states. In the wild, this hydrangea is an understory shrub, often found in the shade of large oaks, hickories and pines. Grown under the right conditions, the bush can reach 6 to 10 feet high in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Features
Taxonomy
Cultivation
Name
- How does the scientific name, Hydrangea quercifolia break down, exactly? Well, we are all familiar with the Greek root hydr- as a reference to water, as in \"hydrate.\" Meanwhile, angeon comes from the Greek for \"vessel.\" Some people apparently see a resemblance between a hydrangea seed pod and a water vessel. Most species do require a lot of watering (oakleaf hydrangeas ofte…
Appearance
- In summer, Snow Queen oakleaf hydrangea flowers in clusters, and the white flowers fade to a pinkish-brown in fall. Their floral display is very long-lasting. But the plant's best-known trait is its oak-leaf-shaped foliage. The leathery leaves are large and turn purple, orangey-bronze, or red in the fall, making the plant a great pick for autumn color.
Morphology
- Snow Queen shrubs typically reach a height of 4 to 6 feet and a similar spread, but they can grow to be larger than that. They are multi-stemmed shrubs, and the branches can shoot out from the center in any direction. Peeling bark on the branches offers some winter interest, as well as spring interest. Before the plant fully leafs out in the spring, it offers little visual interest other than the b…
Culture
- Oakleaf hydrangea shrubs are understory plants in the wild. In southern climates, give them afternoon shade. In the North, oakleaf hydrangeas can get by with less shade. Too much shade, in fact, may reduce the intensity of their fall-foliage color. Grow them in a well-drained soil with a slightly acidic soil pH and plenty of compost. The more sunli...
Treatment
- But sometimes, even if you have chosen the right location for the bush, you may be forced into pruning it. For example, you should prune if the plant suffers damage (such as from winter die-back). In this case, wait until spring, then cut the affected branches down to just below the damaged areas.
Management
- If you do wish to prune to control the plant's size and/or shape, do so right after the blooming period since this type of bush blooms on old wood. Mulch your bushes to keep the roots cool in summer, especially in hot regions.
Reproduction
- Technically speaking, the floral display on oakleaf hydrangea comes from sepals rather than flower petals. Sepals are like petals, but they are sterile. Since they can't be pollinated, they can't go to seed. Playing no part in the reproduction process, they are free to just \"hang out\" and give your yard color all summer long. The true flowers on oakleaf hydrangeas are the tiny ones that y…
Uses
- With their brilliant fall foliage and long blooming period, oakleaf hydrangea shrubs are attractive enough to function as specimen plants. As understory shrubs in the wild, they are also appropriate in woodland gardens. Their big leaves give them a coarse plant texture, providing contrast with plants of a more delicate texture. Their flowers can be dried for use in crafts, while the fresh one…
Hardiness/Climate
Size
- In the wild, oakleaf hydrangeas reach some pretty generous proportions: up to 10'+ tall and wide under ideal growing conditions. Fortunately, the cultivated varieties that we have selected offer a broad range of more landscape-friendly sizes and habits, so with a bit of browsing, you'll find one that works for your space and taste.
Light
- As with all hydrangeas, we do recommend some sun each day for oakleaf types. However, they are more shade tolerant than other kinds in that they still bloom pretty well in deep shade conditions. They also don't have the stem strength issues that you may observe with other types. If you do plant an oakleaf hydrangea in deep shade, be aware that its ...
Soil
- The standard moist, well-drained soil provides ideal growing conditions for oakleaf hydrangeas. That said, established plants can tolerate some drought, though it may shorten the lifespan of the flowers if dry conditions are severe and persistent. A 2-3" layer of shredded bark mulch is recommended all year-round to protect the shallow roots.
Fertilizer
- Oakleaf hydrangeas need little to no special care when it comes to soil fertility. However, you may apply a granular rose fertilizer in early spring if you wish.
Flower Color
- The flowers of oakleaf hydrangeas all start out white, creamy white, or with some green hints. A few varieties, like Gatsby Pink and 'Ruby Slippers', will develop nice pink/red coloration as the blooms age. However, this is a natural, genetic color change, and is not impacted by soil chemistry. If the blooms on these varieties turn brown instead of pink, that usually indicates the …
Pruning
- Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so avoid trimming them or cutting them back. You may selectively remove entire branches to enhance the overall look and habit of your plant, but regular pruning should be avoided.
Diseases
- Nearly all oakleaf hydrangeas may develop some minor leaf spot, particularly late in the season. This is not a cause for concern and will not impact the plant's health. You can help minimize any leaf spot issues by removing and discarding fallen foliage in autumn, avoiding overhead watering, and providing good air circulation.
Insects
- Oakleaf hydrangeas are generally unbothered by insects. Any chewing that is seen typically does not require management of any kind.
Other Animals
- Oakleaf hydrangeas can experience some deer browsing, but they seem to be more of a second-choice plant for them, especially compared to favorites like panicle and smooth hydrangeas. This is likely due to the coat of white fuzz on the underside of the leaves. However, this doesn't mean that oakleaf hydrangeas are deer resistant - they typically browse plants to eat the flower buds a…