Overview
Hydrangea quercifolia is a shrub, climber shrub in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen (in mild climates) foliage. Hydrangea quercifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedges, borders and woodland gardens. It is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee.
About
Hydrangea quercifolia, commonly known as oakleaf hydrangea or oak-leaved hydrangea, is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, in woodland habitats from North Carolina west to Tennessee, and south to Florida and Eastern Texas.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea quercifolia
About the genus
Hydrangea is a genus of more than 70 species of flowering plants native to Asia and the Americas. Hydrangea is also used as the common name for the genus; some are also often called hortensia. The genus was first described from Virginia in North America, but by far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Korea, and Japan.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hydrangea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hydrangea
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- loamy, sandy, clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hydrangea quercifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Shrub, Climber
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen (in mild climates)
- Suggested uses
- hedges, borders, woodland gardens
- Native to
- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrangea quercifolia
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; benefits from mulch; tolerates some drought once established
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove old wood
- Propagation
- softwood cuttings, layering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hydrangea quercifolia?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; benefits from mulch; tolerates some drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea quercifolia?
Hydrangea quercifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hydrangea quercifolia need?
Hydrangea quercifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Hydrangea quercifolia?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove old wood.
Is Hydrangea quercifolia hardy in the UK?
Hydrangea quercifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hydrangea quercifolia?
Softwood cuttings, layering.
More in the Hydrangea genus
- Hydrangea longifolia
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Frau Katsuko' (Lady Series) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Oregon Pride' (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rosewarne Lace' (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rotkehlchen' (Teller Series) (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sweet Verena'PBR (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla Chocolate Ever Belles ('Hokomachoko'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea