The ‘Oakleaf’ Hydrangea
A widely grown species Hydrangea quercifolia or the ‘Oakleaf Hydrangea’ is an excellent alternative to some of the widely promoted species.
The foliage is reminiscent of Oak leaves, hence the name, and has great autumn color (see picture right). However it is the flowers that differ the most.
The large flower heads form a pyramidical or conical shape. Lots of interesting cultivars including the well known ‘Alice’ with its lovely flowers that open white before turning to pink. This is a fairly vigorous plant and easy to grow in light shade.
Some times put forward as ‘rare’ and ‘unusual’ H. quercifolia can actually be found in many older gardens if you care to look.
How to Grow Oakleaf Hydrangea – Basic Care
This is a Hydrangea that will grow in more sun that other varieties. In cool to mild climate zones in will grow in full sun.
In hotter zones, a position where it gets light shade in the afternoon is best. Deep shade will restrict flowering and also not provide the brilliant autumn/fall foliage colours that are a feature.
- A humus rich moist well drained soil is best for good growth.
- Dig the soil over adding some compost and aged cow manure.
- Plant and water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- A thick layer of mulch around the plant will help maintain soil moisture and provide a cool root run.
- Fertilise each spring with a general purpose organic fertiliser.
- Renew the mulch each spring. A little cow manure mixed through the mulch can be beneficial.
Water requirements
These are a less demanding plant in regards to water than other species. With regular spring rains no extra water should be required if grown in good soil with adequate much.
In dry spells, water deeply once a week, and also in summer if needed.
If the soil is dry, water, if the soil is moist, don’t water. And do not over water, wet soggy soil css cause root problems.
Hydrangea quercifolia Varieties
A fair bit of variety with H. quercifolia, some smaller growing cultivars including ‘Pee Wee’ and ‘Sikes Dwarf’ will stay at around 1m, ‘Sikes Dwarf’ being particularly suited to growing at the format of the border.
The larger growing types such as ‘Snow Flake’ and ‘Snow Queen’ have been around a while and seem to flower endlessly over summer, in particular ‘Snow Flake’. Again the autumn color is a deep crimson red.
- H. Quercifolia Alice is a strong growing cultivar with large flower heads commencing white and naturally turning to pink. Flowering on old wood this cultivar requires little pruning.
- H. Quercifolia Pee Wee is a relatively low growing plant nicely rounded plant to around 1m (3ft) again white flowers that fade to a nice pink, good autumn foliage colour.
- H. Quercifolia Snowflake is much loved for the large double white flowers with a large cone shaped flowers with a pretty double row of petals. Very upright and will reach 2m+. Long flowering with blooms that start white, fade to green and then pink
- Hydrangea Quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’
- H. Quercifolia Sikes Dwarf is one of the best ‘dwarf’ types. Reaching a height of around 1m (3ft) masses of flowers that cover this nicely rounded bush, excellent for the garden border.
- If you are looking for something a little different try H. Quercifolia Little Honey, its a sport of Pee Wee with golden yellow foliage, this one requires shade
How To Prune Oakleaf Hydrangea
Pruning is fairly simple with Oak Leaf Hydrangea, just remove the spent flower heads and prune lightly to shape.
The best time to prune is immeadiatly after flowering, although we like to remove any dead, damaged or old weak growth in winter or early spring.
In frost prone areas it is best to leave pruning until the worst of the frosts are over.
How Much Sun?
Hydrangea quercifolia are a little different in terms of how much sun they need, they will grow in full sun, however they will need good moist soil. However if you live in an area with hot summers, then they are better out of the sun in the hottest part of the day.
They will flower more profusely, and have better autumn foliage colour when they do get at least good morning sun.
Can you grow Hydrangea quercifolia in pots ? – Yes, the smaller cultivars are suited.
Top Tips
- A humus rich moist but well drained soil is best.
- Full sun to light shade, in heavy shade flowering may not be as prolific.
- Good sun is required to get the best foliage colour.
- Mulch well to maintain a cool root run and improve soil.
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- Hydrangea macrophylla ‘AyeshPrunia’
- Pruning Hydrangeas
- Hydrangea plants for sale
- Plants for Shade
- Cottage Garden Plants
Hydrangea quercifolia – ‘Oakleaf’ Hydrangea are available for sale from these nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
862 Midland Highway Mount Rowan Vic 3352
We offer over 245 varieties of Fuchsia, tubestock, pots, baskets and standards. Mail order specialists. Open 7 days by appointment.
www.brenlissaonlinenursery.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au