Species

Hydrangea quercifoliaOakleaf Hydrangea

6 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'

$66.93

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea quercifolia is a broad-rounded, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States, distinguished by deeply lobed leaves resembling red oak foliage and exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark. Large pyramidal panicles of creamy white flowers open in early summer, aging to soft pink, purplish-pink, and brown by late summer.

'Alice' is a robust selection distinguished by massive bloom panicles up to 14 inches long and foliage that turns shades of burgundy-red and bronze in fall. Unlike bigleaf hydrangeas, its floral color transition occurs naturally with maturity and remains completely unaffected by soil pH.

Uses & Benefits:

Delivers multi-season display through large floral panicles, deep burgundy autumn foliage, and exfoliating winter bark.

Stabilizes soil on sloped sites through a suckering root system.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and generalist insect pollinators during peak bloom.

SpeciesHydrangea quercifoliaOakleaf Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96"

Width

96"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$66.93

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in organically rich, well-draining loam where the shrub receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain root moisture.
Provide supplemental water during dry summer spells to prevent leaf scorch.
Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer before leaf expansion.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after summer bloom finishes; cutting late in the season or in winter removes old-wood flower buds required for next year's display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide afternoon shade in warmer regions to protect large leaves from sun scorch.
Ensure soil drains thoroughly to protect root systems from Phytophthora root rot.
Prune immediately after summer flowering if shaping or size reduction is required.

Don't

Do not prune in winter or early spring, which strips away overwintering flower buds.
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils with poor internal drainage.
Do not alter soil pH expecting to change flower color, as aging shifts are genetically fixed.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Woodland understory borderMixed shrub borderInformal screenMass planting on slopes

Companion Plants

Heuchera Acer palmatum Hosta Polystichum acrostichoides

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?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Oakleaf Hydrangea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Oakleaf Hydrangea bloom?

Oakleaf Hydrangea typically blooms in summer through summer. 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.

Is Oakleaf Hydrangea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Oakleaf Hydrangea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.