Hydrangea quercifolia
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OAK LEAF HYDRANGEA
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Pronounced: hi-DRANG-gee-a kwer-ki-FO-lee-a
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
S.E. United States.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
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USDA zones: 5-9.
Mature size: Height: 6 feet (2 m).
Width: 8 feet (2.5 m).
Flowering period: Midsummer to fall.
Flowering attributes: Creamy white, larger, sterile flowers interspersed with smaller, creamy white, fertile flowers that bloom on new wood.
Leaf attributes: Oakleaf-like, 8-inch long, dark green leaves that turn bronze-purple in fall and hang on the shrub into winter.
Growth habit: Rounded shrub with a flopping habit.
Light: Partial shade to full sun.
Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Side dress with compost and manure. Add a complete organic fertilizer to soil in spring.
Propagation Methods: Softwood cuttings in early summer to October.
Pruning Methods: Flowers on new wood and can be cut back drastically in the spring to keep small.
Pests and Diseases: Well-drained soil is best, as this hydrangea may be attacked by root rot. No other diseases or pests seem to be a problem.
Rainy Side Notes
Native to the southern states, Hydrangea quercifolia is commonly called Oakleaf
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hydrangea. Its beautiful foliage is very striking on peeling bark. Full sun is best for vibrant fall color. Planted in full light, you will see the leaves turn brilliant shades of scarlet and burgundy.
Hydrangea comes from the Greek words hydor for water and aggos for jar, which refers to the cup-shaped fruit. The name for the species, quercifolia, comes from the Latin word quercus (pronounced KWER-kus) for oak.
Keep well watered when establishing new plants. This variety's flowers fade to a pink as they age and slowly dry to a tan color. Hydrangea quercifolia adapts well to container culture.
For fresh cut flowers, harvest when the flowers are completely opened. For longest lasting cut flowers, harvest and place as soon as possible into five to seven inches of hot water at 110-120°F (43-49°C). Immediately place them into the refrigerator and keep there for eight hours. Re-cut stems for vase and put in hot water again. The flowers will last up to 14 days. The flowers do not do well with floral foams, as they cannot uptake enough water.
For drying the flowers, wait until September. Harvest when the petals feel leathery or rubbery, not papery, to the touch. Strip the foliage and rubber band in bunches of three; hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark place. Humidity will result in flowers turning brown.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden, except where noted.
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