Oak Leaf Hydrangea

One of my favorite plants is an oak leaf hydrangea. These plants add variety, dimension, and style to any landscape. An added bonus is that they are almost entirely disease free. However, they do need some attention to direct shape and size. This hydrangea gets its name from its large oak shaped leaves. The leaves provide a brilliant color of red, orange, burgundy or yellow in the fall.

There are varieties that will grow 15-feet and spread to fill large spaces.

There are also dwarf varieties like 'PeeWee' and 'Sikes Dwarf' which will reach 3-4 feet in height and width.

Oak leaf hydrangeas produce flowers on the previous year's growth. One should prune the plant half-way back as flowers fade. Prune to shape the plant and to remove any damaged or dead wood. One should note that pruning is not required, but should be done to limit size or direct the shape of the plant. These plants can be completely cut back to the ground. However, if this is done, the plant will not bloom and it will be a green leaf specimen for that year.

Smaller more numerous flowers will occur on early fall pruned plants. Pruning in the spring will reduce flowers but they should be larger. No pruning at all will result in more, but smaller flowers.

The oak leaf hydrangea is a native plant in the United States. Oak leaf hydrangeas have white flowers and the color cannot be changed by regulating the pH. The flower blossoms are large conical clusters. They have either single or multi-florets. The white flowers fade to a dull pink and finally to a tan while still holding shape on the plants. These can be left on the plant or harvested for indoor arrangements.