Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is an upright, broad-rounded, suckering, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically grows 4-6 feet (less frequently to 8 feet) tall. It is a wonderful flowering shrub with multi-season interest. It is native to the Southeastern U.S. and tolerates hot, humid weather. Oakleaf hydrangeas aren’t quite as cold-hardy as other hydrangea species (USDA hardiness zones 5-9).

In recent years most attention has been directed to the compact varieties (cultivars) which have flooded the nursery marketplace over the past twenty years. Yes, they are sensational and are ideal fits in small gardens. For gardeners with space to enjoy the larger cultivars, here are three “oldies”, — still sensational oakleaf hydrangeas.

‘Snow Queen’ is one of the most popular oakleaf hydrangeas. It grows 6-10 feet tall and wide and bears 4- to 12- inch-long panicles of creamy white double flowers in early summer. Its floral display is long-lasting into early fall. Fall leaf color turns gradually to red to burgundy to purple. It was introduced by the former Princeton Nursery in NJ.

‘Snowflake’ is noted for its double white flowers. It typically grows 5-8 feet tall and wide (less frequently to 12 feet tall under optimum growing conditions). Snowflake struts large pyramidal flower panicles consisting mostly of showy sterile flowers with multiple bracts or sepals which give the panicle a double-flowered appearance. It blooms in June for 6-8 weeks, gradually fading to pink and then brown in late summer. Distinctive, deeply-lobed, coarse, deep green, oak-like leaves (to 8 inches long) acquire attractive shades of maroon and purple in autumn. Snowflake was introduced in the early 1970s by Aldridge Nursery in AL.

‘Alice’, largest of the three cultivars, struts large 10 to 14-inch white arching floral panicles, the blooms later turning rose color. Additionally, enormous deep green, oak-like foliage, some up to 8 inches long and usually disease-free foliage and its superior fall color. Alice was introduced by Dr. Michael Dirr. The shrub averages 6 to 8 feet in height but can achieve 12 feet tall and wide in the South.

Oakleaf hydrangeas grow in moist, fertile, well-drained soil in sun to part shade. Shrubs appreciate a 3–4-inch layer of organic mulch to conserve soil moisture. They bloom on old wood. enerally, little pruning is usually needed. If pruning is needed, do so immediately after flowering. Winter damaged stems may be pruned in early spring.

In cold parts of USDA 5, set plants in a sheltered location or protect with a burlap blanket. Otherwise, flower bud numbers may be a lot less or shrub will die to the ground in harsh winters below -10°F. A winter mulch blanket will also help. Attractive peeling cinnamon-color bark adds interest in the winter after the leaves have dropped.