Oakleaf hydrangeas originated along the sandy streams of the southeastern United States, and they are more drought tolerant than many other hydrangeas. Their matte green leaves are coarsely textured and deeply lobed, and in fall they turn red and purple. White flower heads form in spring, and as summer draws to a close they turn shades of pink, green, and ecru. -Nellie Neal, Regional Picks: Southeast, Fine Gardening issue #127
CareMoist, well-drained soil.
PropagationSow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter.
Problems Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Hydrangea
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Flower Color : Pink, White
- Uses : Shade
- Characteristics : Showy Fall Foliage
- Plant Type : Shrubs
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.