Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) thrive in shady gardens. A multi-season interest Hydrangea from their large showy foliage in Spring to showy white blooms in Summer and their rich Fall color to their cinnamon brown exfoliating bark in the Winter – you have 4 seasons of interest from these show stopper Hydrangeas.
- Bloom Colors: White blooms that can fade to shades of pink & mauve
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Sun Needs: Part Sun to Full Sun but at least 4+ hours a day
- Best For: Woodland borders, foundation plantings, massed in the landscape
Care Tips
- Light: 4+ hours of sun in the morning & though they will grow in less sunlight – you may see less blooms
- Water: Once planted, water deeply & thoroughly the first season until well-established. Moist soil is great but wet soil will cause root rot.
- Tips: Mulch around the base of the plant to help keep weeds down & moisture in (but do not pile mulch around the trunk). Water around the roots to avoid wetting the blooms and causing premature bloom fade.
Fertilizing
Hydrangeas need a good source of nutrition to produce dense blooms. Fertilize Hydrangeas twice per year, once in early spring (March-April) when new foliage begins to sprout and once again mid-summer (June-July). You can use a variety of granular fertilizers on Hydrangeas such a Fertilome’s Gardener’s Special or Espoma’s Plant Tone.
Pruning
Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom on old wood so proper pruning is important. (Old wood is wood that is 1+ years old)
Summer | Immediately after flowers fade – if pruning is desired, this is the ideal time to perform it especially if you need a big cut or want to shape it. If you don’t want to prune, you can leave old flowerheads for winter interest or lightly trim by pruning off the spent bloom just above the next large leaf set.
Fall | Only remove dead or damaged areas at this time – pruning branches now will affect next year’s blooms.
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