Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a U.S. native and it offers four seasons of landscape beauty. (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). Typically, oakleafs grow 10-12 feet tall deciduous shrubs that are broad-rounded, suckering, and multi-stemmed. In the wild, if left unpruned, shrubs reach over 20 feet in height and spread.

I have selected five compact growers in the 3-6 feet range. They’re an ideal size for large 15+ gallon containers and planting in small gardens. The large leaves mimic those of oak trees. Cone-shaped white flowers are cone-shaped and comprised of showy sterile flowers that protect the mass of fertile flowers beneath.

Oakleafs are easily grown in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Provide adequate shade in the southern U.S. zones so that plants are never over-stressed in droughty soils. Annual summer mulching in pine needle or ground / bark-based aids retain soil moisture and weed maanagement.

Bloom occurs on old wood (last year’s growth). Pruning, if needed, should be done immediately after flowering in early August to rein in shrub size, despite removal of many spent flowers that still look attractive. An added attribute is that inner branch wood and stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner wood.

Dwarf (Compact-growing) Cultivars:

‘Little Honey’ is a petite grower (3-4 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide) with snow-white cone-shaped flowers. Flowers are secondary to its glorious chartreuse foliage. Shrub grows best in full sun in the north and in partial sun to partial shade in the mid-South. The aging flowers turn crimson at the start of autumn.

‘Pee Wee’ grows 4 feet high and 3 feet wide white spring flowers that fade to pink in the fall. Its oak-leaf like foliage stays deep green through summer and turns bright red in autumn.

‘Sike’s Dwarf’ has a dwarf mound habit that matures 2-3 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width. Elongated, conical white, mostly sterile flower panicles, each 3-4 inches long, gradually fade to light pink and eventually brown in fall. Deep green 3-5 inch long leaves turn autumnal shades of bronze, maroon and purple.

‘Ruby Slippers’ is a U.S. National Arboretum introduction that grows 3 to 4 feet tall and slightly greater in spread. ‘Pee Wee’ is one of its parents. Large flower clusters emerge white, age to light pink and mature to ruby red. Its leaves turn deep mahogany red in fall.

‘Munchkin’, another National Arboretum release, is a compact grower that matures to 3 to 4 ½ feet tall and wide with a rounded shrub form and dark green leaves that turn deep burgundy in fall. Large clusters of white flowers stand upright age to pink.

Gatsby Gal® is a semi-dwarf oakleaf hydrangea from Proven Winners (PW) that grows 5- 7 feet tall and wide. Its green, oak-shaped foliage and large fragrant blooms in summer finishes with an outstanding fall color.

No serious insect or disease issues trouble oakleaf hydrangeas. Some susceptibility to leaf blight and powdery mildew. Aphids and spider mites are occasional visitors.

Attention Blog Readers: Interested in “larger growing oakleaf hydrangeas”? Look for a blog titled as such.