Low-Care Hydrangeas

An Easy-Care Hydrangea

Majestic oakleaf hydrangea is one of the easiest types to grow. It's also one of the showiest thanks to its big clusters of white summertime flowers, attractive peeling bark, and textured foliage that turns brilliant shades of purple-red in fall. Oakleaf hydrangea can be a big shrub (it grows 8 feet tall) that's great for providing summertime privacy or as a backdrop in the shade garden. Like smooth hydrangea, it's native to areas of North America.

Growing it

Give oakleaf hydrangea a spot in shade or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It stands up to dry soil a bit better than most other types, but still appreciates moisture during drought. Like any other hydrangea, it will perform best if there's a lot of organic matter in the soil. Oakleaf hydrangea is hardy in Zones 5-9.

Pruning it

Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on last year's branches, so the best time to prune them is right after the flowers fade in late summer. Because the bark is interesting as it matures, many gardeners do not prune their oakleaf types.

Standout Varieties

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice' offers extra-large blooms and more spectacular fall color. It grows 10 feet tall.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey' shows golden-yellow foliage and clusters of white summertime flowers. It grows 4 feet tall.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake' bears clusters of double white flowers. It grows 8 feet tall.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Vaughn's Lillie' displays spectacularly dense clusters of white flowers. It grows 4 feet tall.