Species

Hydrangea quercifoliaOakleaf Hydrangea

6 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee'

$61.60

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea quercifolia is a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub native to the southeastern United States, distinguished by its deeply lobed oak-like leaves and exfoliating bark. The inflorescence is an elongated pyramidal panicle of showy sterile sepals that emerge crisp white and transition through pink shades before drying brown.

'Pee Wee' provides a compact form reaching three to four feet in height, producing less aggressive suckering than the species. Its foliage downscales neatly for smaller spaces, turning deep bronze, maroon, purple, and red in fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers four-season value with summer panicles, fall leaf color, and winter exfoliating bark.

Functions as a scaled-down structural shrub suitable for compact urban garden beds.

Provides nesting cover for songbirds and supplies nectar to native bees and pollinators.

SpeciesHydrangea quercifoliaOakleaf Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$61.60

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location in full sun to part shade with soil rich in organic matter and protection from harsh afternoon heat in southern regions.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it sat in the nursery container.
Backfill with native soil mixed with compost, water deeply to settle the soil, and apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch.
Maintain consistent soil moisture during the first two growing seasons until the root system establishes.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering finishes in mid-summer; cutting in late winter or spring destroys flower buds that formed on old wood during the previous season.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch annually to maintain root moisture and cool soil temperatures.
Provide supplementary irrigation during hot, dry spells to prevent leaf scorch.

Don't

Do not prune in late winter or spring, which cuts off developing flower buds.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soil that holds standing water.

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

Understory woodland plantingsMixed shrub bordersFoundation plantingsInformal low hedges

Companion Plants

Heuchera Hosta Polystichum acrostichoides Acer palmatum

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 early summer through mid-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.