Table of Contents
Oakleaf hydrangeas can be grown from cuttings from mature shrubs, but you can generally find the shrubs in three-gallon pots at your local garden center; these can easily be planted straight into your garden, explains Zawojski. He recommends planting during spring, early summer, or early to late fall.
When should you plant oakleaf hydrangeas?
Plant new oakleaf hydrangea either in the late fall or early spring when the plant is dormant and it won’t be stressed by higher temperatures. Fall foliage color is attractive—the leathery leaves turn purple, orange-bronze, or red. The peeling, exfoliating branches also provide winter color and texture.
Are oakleaf hydrangeas fast growing?
This shrub grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12″ to 24″ per year.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas prefer sun or shade?
Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom best where summers are hot but prefer some afternoon shade. It its more northern range it can be planted in full sun. The greater the sun exposure the more prolific are the blooms and you’ll get the most spectacular fall color.
What should I plant in front of oakleaf hydrangea?
Taller ferns, such as ostrich or cinnamon ferns, and shorter grass-like plants, such as liriope, also harmonize well with oakleaf hydrangeas. Easy-care oakleaf hydrangea offers year-round interest, which makes it especially valuable in the landscape.
How far apart should you plant oakleaf hydrangeas?
Quick Reference Growing Guide Plant Type: Flowering woody shrub Flower / Foliage Color: Spacing: 3-10 feet apart, depending on cultivar Soil Drainage: Planting Depth: Same as container depth Water Needs: Height: 2-12 feet, depending on cultivar Companion Planting: Spread: 2-12 feet, depending on cultivar Uses:.
How big do oakleaf hydrangeas get?
The oakleaf hydrangea grows to a height of 4–6′ and a spread of 4–6′ at maturity.
How long do oakleaf hydrangeas live?
Hydrangeas are long-lived shrubs, sometimes living for up to 50 years if properly cared for. They enjoy morning sun but afternoon shade, and they need frequent watering during the growing season. Prune them in the fall after the blooms fade so they can grow on strong stems the following summer.
When should you cut back oakleaf hydrangea?
Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on the previous season’s growth, so prune right after flowering in the fall or in early winter. Prune the older growth from oakleaf hydrangeas after the shrub flowers. Take one-third of the total growth or less to avoid cutting off next year’s blossoms.
What does an oakleaf hydrangea look like in winter?
Hydrangea flower heads turn dry and brown in the fall and will remain that way throughout winter if not removed. Hydrangeas also lose their leaves during fall, but the brown stalks remain upright unless pruned back.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas attract bees?
Mophead Hydrangeas have flowers that are sterile and do not have nectar to attract bees. However, Lacecap Hydrangeas do have fertile flowers that attract bees. Climbing Hydrangeas, Oakleaf Hydrangeas, and Smooth Hydrangeas also attract pollinators like bees.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas lose their leaves in winter?
As many summer-flowering shrubs wither and drop their leaves, oakleaf hydrangea foliage puts on a fall coat of glorious, showy color, ranging from red to purple to bronze. Technically deciduous, it holds its leaves into early winter. When they drop, the bare shrub showcases its rusty, peeling branches and stems.
Does oakleaf hydrangea grow in Florida?
Oakleaf hydrangea will perform best if planted in a fertile, well-drained soil, but it will also tolerate other conditions. In some climates oakleaf hydrangea can be grown in full sun, but in Florida it needs at least some shade.
What is a good companion plant for hydrangeas?
Azaleas, hollies, yews, mahonia, gardenia, loropetalum and boxwood shrubs will look good planted in front of hydrangeas. Azaleas blossoms will provide early color. You can select your favorite blossom color since the azalea blooms will have faded before your hydrangea is flowering.
What can I plant with Endless summer hydrangeas?
‘Endless Summer’ hydrangea bush with nepeta, inkberry, viburnum and Siberian irises.
Can oakleaf hydrangeas grow in shade?
Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea, pictured at top) — Hands down, one of the best shrubs for hot, dry shade climates. It features gorgeous flowers in late spring and amazing rust-to-plum-colored fall foliage.
Is oakleaf hydrangea a panicle?
The oakleaf hydrangeas bloom earlier (generally in May) than other hydrangea species in my yard and I see the bees and other pollinators buzzing around the flowers. As an added bonus, the oakleaf flowers have a honey or vanilla scent. They are botanically called a panicle inflorescence.
Can you plant hydrangeas next to house?
Well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, a hydrangea in front-of-house facades, along the front porch or as borders to flower beds brings a wealth of color from spring through fall in much of the country.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas bloom all summer?
Oakleaf Hydrangea Information Native to the southeastern part of the country, oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are attractive all year long. These hydrangea shrubs bloom in spring and early summer. After new flowers stop coming, the blooms stay on the plant and look lovely as they mature.
Are Epsom salts good for hydrangeas?
The short answer is yes it will – Epsom Salts is Magnesium sulfate and Sulfur is the mineral that we apply to the soil to lower the pH. This is also the reason that one will find most container grown hydrangeas in a soil-less mix with pink flowers unless they have been given fertilizers containing Aluminum sulfate.
How do I get my oakleaf hydrangea to bloom?
Dig 2 to 4 inches of compost, moistened peat moss or manure into the soil to a depth of 8 inches prior to planting oakleaf hydrangea. These amendments improve drainage and add nutrients, which can promote healthy growth and blooms.
