How to Grow Hydrangea Quercifolia Snowflake - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hydrangea quercifolia snowflake is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about six feet tall. The leaves of the plant are large and oval shaped. The flowers of the plant are white and they grow in clusters. The plant blooms in the summertime.

How to Grow Hydrangea Quercifolia Snowflake - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Oakleaf hydrangea
  • Snowball hydrangea
  • Peegee hydrangea
  • Mountain hydrangea
  • Japanese hydrangea

Good to Know

  • Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan.
  • It is a member of the Hydrangeaceae family.
  • The Snowflake variety of Hydrangea quercifolia was introduced into the United States in 189
  • The Snowflake Hydrangea grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils.
  • The Snowflake Hydrangea can grow to a height of 6-8 feet and a width of 6-8 feet.
  • The leaves of the Snowflake Hydrangea are dark green and deeply lobed.
  • The flowers of the Snowflake Hydrangea are white, cone-shaped clusters that bloom in late summer.
  • The fruit of the Snowflake Hydrangea is a small, round, dry capsule.
  • The Snowflake Hydrangea is an attractive shrub that can be used in a variety of landscape settings.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

  1. For hydrangea quercifolia snowflake, first step is to take the cutting from a young plant.
  2. Then, prepare a pot with well-drained soil.
  3. Next, plant the cutting in the pot.
  4. Water the pot regularly.
  5. Place the pot in a sunny location.
  6. After a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and start to grow.
  7. Once the plant is established, fertilize it monthly.
  8. Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  9. In fall, cut back the plant to encourage winter dormancy.
  10. The plant will bloom in late spring or early summer.

Related plant:
Moonrock Hydrangea

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake prefers well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. The ideal soil is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter if needed to improve drainage and provide nutrients.

Light requirement

Similar to other hydrangeas, the Hydrangea quercifolia 'snowflake' requires sun to partial shade to thrive. It produces best flowers in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Lack of sun will result in fewer flowers. It is a deciduous shrub, so it will lose its leaves in the fall, but its branches are strong enough to withstand heavy snowfall.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for hydrangea quercifolia snowflake is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant grows best in partial sun to full shade and requires moist, well-drained soil. This hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of 6-8 feet and a width of 4-6 feet. The flowers of this plant are white and appear in clusters. The leaves are large, lobed, and dark green in color.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% This plant cannot tolerate long periods of dryness, so make sure to keep the soil moist, especially during hot weather. If the leaves begin to wilt, it is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't require too much. A light feeding in early spring is all that's needed to encourage blooming. As for the roots, they're quite tough and can withstand a good deal of wear and tear.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your hydrangea quercifolia snowflake healthy and looking its best. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can remove up to one-third of the plant's growth each year. Be sure to make clean, sharp cuts just above a buds.

About Propagating

Propagation for hydrangea quercifolia 'snowflake' is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The best time to take these cuttings is late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is soft and flexible. Once cut, the cuttings should be immediately placed into water or a moist growing medium.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1-2 feet per year. However, the exact rate of growth depends on many factors, such as the plant's age, health, and the growing conditions. Generally, young plants grow faster than older plants. Healthier plants also tend to grow faster than those that are not as healthy. The type of soil, amount of sunlight, and watering schedule also affect the growth rate of a hydrangea quercifolia snowflake.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot. Both of these can be controlled with proper care and treatment. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungus that grows on the leaves and stems of the plant. Leaf spot is a brown or black spot that appears on the leaves of the plant. Both of these problems can be controlled with the use of fungicides.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your snowflake hydrangea regularly. These plants are quite drought tolerant, but they still need a good soaking every week or so during the growing season.
  • Fertilize your plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer to keep it healthy and encourage abundant blooming.
  • Prune away any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring.
  • You can also prune to shape the plant as desired.
  • Place your snowflake hydrangea in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
  • These plants do best in soil that is rich in organic matter and drains well.
  • Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Be on the lookout for common pests such as aphids, scale, and spider mites. Treat infestations promptly with an appropriate insecticide or organic control method.

Related Plants

  • Quercifolia
  • Hydrangeae
  • Snowflake
  • OakLeaf
  • Mountain
  • BlueFlowering
  • WhiteBlooming
  • Fragrant
  • GreatHybrid
  • SmoothPetals

Source:
Hydrangea quercifolia - Ohio State University
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice' - North Carolina State University
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) - Penn State Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category