Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Gatsby Gal'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
66 inches
Width
66 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Southeastern United States
Toxicity
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
A deciduous shrub native to the southeastern U.S., noted for its distinctive, oak-like leaves, large conical flower panicles, excellent fall color, and exfoliating winter bark. A compact cultivar, smaller than the species, with large, full flower heads held on strong stems. The dense panicles of white florets age to a rich pink, providing a long season of color.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a partly shaded location with well-draining soil
- Tuck in organic compost to enrich the soil before planting
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Water regularly during first growing season to establish roots
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate temperature
- Prune in late winter to shape and remove dead wood
Pro Tip
Ensure site has good air circulation to prevent disease
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune in late winter for shape and health
- Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Monitor for pests and treat early
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize late in the season
- Refrain from heavy pruning in summer
- Do not plant in full sun in hot climates
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Oakleaf Hydrangea questions
What zones can Oakleaf Hydrangea grow in?
Oakleaf Hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Oakleaf Hydrangea deer resistant?
Yes — Oakleaf Hydrangea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Oakleaf Hydrangea bloom?
Oakleaf Hydrangea typically blooms in summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Oakleaf Hydrangea need full sun?
Oakleaf Hydrangea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Hydrangea to compare
Incrediball Hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens 'Incrediball'
Limelight Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'
Bobo Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bobo'
Little Lime Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Lime'
Bloomstruck Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bloomstruck'
All Summer Beauty Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'All Summer Beauty'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Oakleaf Hydrangea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
