Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
A stunning native hydrangea that offers true four-season interest with its distinctive oak-shaped leaves, elegant white flower clusters, and spectacular fall foliage in shades of orange, red, and burgundy. This shade-tolerant beauty produces cone-shaped flowers that age gracefully from white to pink to brown, providing months of interest. The exfoliating bark adds winter appeal, making this one of the most ornamentally valuable shrubs for American gardens.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial shade to full shade
Zones
5–9
USDA hardiness
Height
4-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Oakleaf Hydrangea in USDA Zone 7
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Oakleaf Hydrangea · Zones 5–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: 'Alice', 'Ellen Huff', 'Flemygea', 'Harmony' , 'Ice Crystal', 'Little Honey', 'Munchkin', 'Natl Arb', 'Pee Wee', 'Ruby Slippers', 'Sikes Dwarf', 'Snowflake' 'Brido', 'Snow Queen'. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Southeastern USA
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Dry Soil
- +Attracts: Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in., Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
- +Wildlife value: Its flowers are attractive to butterflies and other insects. Songbirds eat the seeds.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Complementary shade tolerance and similar moisture needs, provides ground cover
Astilbe
Similar soil pH preferences and shade tolerance, adds colorful blooms
Ferns
Thrive in same acidic, moist soil conditions and partial shade
Azaleas
Both prefer acidic soil and partial shade, create layered woodland garden
Coral Bells
Compatible shade requirements and adds colorful foliage contrast
Japanese Painted Fern
Complementary silvery foliage and similar growing conditions
Caladiums
Provides colorful understory and thrives in same partial shade conditions
Wild Ginger
Native ground cover that shares similar soil and moisture preferences
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including hydrangeas
Pine Trees
Heavy needle drop creates overly acidic conditions and blocks sunlight
Mint
Aggressive spreading nature competes for resources and space
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of nearby plants
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, benefits from air circulation
Common Pests
Generally pest-free, occasional aphids or scale
Diseases
Leaf spot in humid conditions, powdery mildew with poor air flow