General Culture:
Best grown in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Mulch root zone in summer and provide somewhat constant moisture. Winter protection (e.g., burlap wrap) is advisable in USDA Zone 5, particularly when the plant is not fully established. Little pruning is needed, but should be done any time after flowering.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Oakleaf hydrangea is an upright, stoloniferous, deciduous shrub with a broad, rounded habit that typically grows 4-6' tall but frequently reaches 6-8'. Features elongated, conical clusters (4-12" long) of fertile and sterile, white flowers which slowly turn pinkish purple with age. Long late spring to summer bloom period. Distinctive, deeply lobed, somewhat coarse, oak-like, deep green leaves (to 8" long) turn attractive shades of bronze, crimson or purple in autumn. Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark which is attractive in winter.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf blight. Heavy flower panicles may droop considerably, particularly when moistened by rain.
Uses:
Mass or group in a mixed shrub border or naturalize in a native plant or open woodland garden. Also may be used for backgrounds, accents or specimens, foundation plantings or hedges.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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