Scientific name: Hydrangea quercifolia
Family: HYDRANGEACEAE
Common names: “Oakleaf hydrangea”
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub, semi evergreen in Victoria
Conditions:
Zone: 5-9
Light: Full sun – part shade , best flowers and colour in sun
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered, handles seaside
Soil: Rich humus
Moisture: Moist – average, well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 6-8′ W 8-10′
Leaf and Stem shape: Handsome, large, deeply lobed leaves turning red and purple in autumn
Flower: Cream coloured conical panicles with numerous large sterile florets
Pruning: Little or no pruning, only remove DDD’s in early spring, can be spoiled by a hard cut
Maintenance: Low
Landscape use: Flower borders, Groundcover, informal cottage
Propagate: By cuttings
Pests & Disease: Generally healthy, but deer
Comments: Stands out among hydrangeas for it’s oak-like leaves, native to southeastern USA
Cultivars: ~AGM winners: H. q. ‘Snow Queen’ (‘Flemygea’) & ‘Snowflake’ (‘Brido’)