Oak Leaf Hydrangea Planting & Care
Information About The Oak Leaf Hydrangea
If you have space for only one new plant in your garden, the oak leaf hydrangea shrub should be at the top of your list. Native to the American Southwest, oak leaf hydrangeas are fast becoming popular. In zones 5–9, they require little care beyond the basics.
The oak leaf hydrangeas ‘ season parade begins in the spring and continues through winter, bringing great colorful splashes to each. The procession begins by unfolding dark green oak-like leaves, which can grow as broad as 12 inches. The show goes on into summer with displays of cone-shaped clusters of white blossoms in single or double form. With the progression of fall, the colors change, competing with the maples for brilliance as the leaves turn to bright shades of bronze, crimson, orange, gold, and purple. The display can continue through winter in some climates when the dropping of leaves can reveal the shredding bark in shades of cinnamon brown that contrast strikingly against snowy landscapes.
The size range of oak leaf hydrangeas makes them ideal for all-sized gardens. Pee-wee, a dwarf-sized oak leaf with its bright purple fall leaves, is an American favorite, as is Ruby Slippers, whose flowers start white, turn pink, and gradually red in late summer. Real show stoppers, these two dwarf oak leaf hydrangeas grow no taller than 4 feet. In comparison, Gatsby Moon is weather resistant and can grow to 10 feet. One of the tallest oak leaf hydrangeas is Alice, with its full, creamy flowers. Its profuse blossoms in summer and brilliant purple and red foliage in winter make eye-catching borders. If mid-sized plants are more in keeping with your garden, look no further than Snowflake, with its large double flowers and fall leaves of crimson and purple. Snow Queen is another mid-sized variety, growing between 4 and 6 feet. Its flowers begin white but gradually change to pink. The winter bark can be spectacular.
Growers of mop-head hydrangeas know that the soil’s pH level affects the flowers’ color. Not so with oak leaf hydrangeas, but they require well-drained, slightly acid soil. Compost can lighten clay-like soils, making them acceptable. When watering, keep in mind that these plants grow well in evenly moist soil, never soggy soil, which causes root rot.
When planting the oak leaf hydrangea, it is essential to start them off by feeding a good 10–10–10 fertilizers, followed by another dose each spring. In northern areas, plant the oak leaf hydrangea in full sun to light shade. In southern exposures, they prefer the morning sun with protection from the more intense afternoon rays.
Oak leaf hydrangeas grow on old wood, so it’s essential to prune at the right time each year. Pruning plants immediately after the flowers bloom will not interfere with the following year’s growth of buds.
It’s no wonder oak leaf hydrangeas are becoming a favorite choice of gardeners everywhere. They are quickly-grown plants that look perfect in every garden setting.
