Welcome to Sassy Plants - a blog about urban gardening, edible landscaping, and other plant rants.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Oakleaf Hydrangea


I will admit that I am biased - I love hydrangeas.  But, I can tell you with complete objectivity that if you have a garden, and it does not contain an Oakleaf Hydrangea, you need to change your ways.  Oakleaf Hydrangeas are awesome!                     Long, white flower panicles cover the shrub from late spring into summer, followed by beautiful fall color.  (The photo on the right is a hydrangea in my yard starting to change color in mid-October.) The cinnamon colored bark has a peeling, papery texture which adds great winter interest.            
Here's the skinny on Oakleaf Hydrangea:


Botanical name:  Hydrangea quercifolia
Origin:  Southeastern United States
Plant type:  Deciduous Shrub
Hardiness:  USDA Zones 5-9, Sunset 2b-23 
Size:  Typically 6' to 8' high and wide. Dwarf varieties such as 'PeeWee' are a mere 2' to 3' high and wide.
Light Requirements: Shade or Sun
Maintenance:  Low.  Prune after blooming.

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