Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

The “quercus” in the name is a giveaway that the leaves of this beauty are shaped like oak leaves but the flowers...oh they are full and pyramidal like some of your cultivated hydrangeas, except this is a native. Upright and deciduous, this beauty can grow to 8’ x 8’ and enjoys rich, well-drained soils with medium moisture. It does well in part sun to part shade, and mulch in the summer helps to keep the soil moist. The plant does need some sun to bloom, usually from mid spring to early summer. It makes a great focal point in a wildlife habitat and can be planted in shrub borders and woodland gardens.

Fall Color; Attracts: 🐝
Light: part to full shade
Soil: medium, well-drained
Mature Height: 8’