Hydrangea quercifolia - Oak-leaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia is a spreading deciduous shrub with large green leaves, turning red and purple in au-tumn. As with the oak tree this hydrangea has deeply lobed leaves, hence its common name ‘Oak Leaf Hy-drangea’. This shrub is native to the woodlands of South-east America.

Hydrangea quercifolia can be sensitive to colder cli-mates, so does much better in warmer areas or in shel-tered gardens; especially younger plants. It is also great as a screening plant due to its spreading habit. shoots can be cut to the ground every 2 to 3 years to keep it small. However, if left to grow the naturally peeling bark is an extremely attractive feature.

Oakleaf hydrangea thrives in moist soil so retaining this is essential. Due to this, river banks and wet woodlands make a perfect habitat.

During the Summer months, cones of small white flow-ers start to blossom. Hydrangea quercifolia can hold its flowers through into autumn, it isn't uncommon to see the delicate blooms paired with the fiery red leaves.

FACT: Hydrangea quercifolia has great wildlife value. It's a pollen and nectar source for insects such as bees and also hosts two types of moth; Hydrangea Sphinx Moth and Hydrangea Leaf-tier moth.