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Plant Profiles / Oakleaf hydrangea
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Oakleaf hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia · Oakleaf hydrangea
A four-season shrub with large oak-shaped leaves, cone-shaped white flowers in summer, rich red autumn colour and peeling bark in winter.
Part shadeLight
Twice a weekWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Part shade
ShadeFull sun
Morning sun and afternoon shade.
Water
Twice a week
DryWet
Keep moist in pots; more drought tolerant than other hydrangeas once established.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-25–32°C (-13–90°F)
CoolWarm
Very cold hardy.
Growth
Moderate, shrub
SlowFast
Grows 1.5–2.5 m.
Soil
Rich, well-drained
LeanRich
Add compost.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Slow-release fertiliser in spring.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Contains cyanogenic glycosides; toxic if eaten.
About this plant
Native to the south-eastern United States, oakleaf hydrangea is more drought tolerant than other hydrangeas. The flowers age from white to pink, and the leaves turn burgundy in autumn. It flowers on old wood, so prune lightly.
Best spots
Part-shaded courtyards, woodland gardens, large pots and borders.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Hydrangea quercifolia |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Origin | South-eastern USA |
| Plant type | Deciduous shrub |
| Mature size | 1.5–2.5 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Large oak-shaped leaves, red in autumn |
| Flowers | White cone-shaped panicles |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings or layering |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Autumn colour
Prune
Fertilise
FloweringAutumn colourPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| No flowers | Pruned at the wrong time or buds frost-damaged. |
| Wilting | Hot afternoon sun or dry soil. |
| Brown leaf edges | Sun scorch. |
| Root rot | Poor drainage. |
| Floppy stems | Heavy blooms; normal. |
Common questions
When should I prune?
Right after flowering, and only lightly.
Does it change colour with soil?
No, unlike bigleaf hydrangea.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, a large one.
Does it lose its leaves?
Yes, after autumn colour.
