Deciduous Shrubs (Flowering) – Oakleaf Hydrangea

• Oakleaf hydrangea 

Botanical name: hydrangea quercifolia 

Beginner friendly?: Yes 

Average size at maturity: 4-6 ft in height and in spread

Bloom time: Summer, fall 

Hardy zone: Zones 5 – 9

Flower color: White, cream, pink, purple, red

Foliage color: Green 

Growth rate: Between 1-2 ft a year 

Pruning needs: Deadhead withered flowers after flowering

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: Backdrop to smaller shrubs, a component of a mixed border 

Light needs: Very shade tolerant, requires 3 – 4 hours of sun a day 

Special features:  Strong, sturdy stems to hold large flower clusters above the foliage 

Water needs: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy

Fertilizing needs: Fertilizer is only needed if your oakleaf hydrangea is planted in alkaline soil. If this is the case for your hydrangea, you can use a 10-10-10 granular once in the spring and once in the summer

Best time to plant: late fall or early spring 

Best type of soil: loamy soil, which means it has an even mixture of sand, silt, and clay.

Companion plants:  zinnias, snapdragons, Hostas, camellias and purple loropetalum, dogwoods, Coleus, impatiens, and begonias

Toxicity level:  not toxic to humans or pets

Invasive species: no