Maintenance Landscaping Design

Oakleaf hydrangea is a species of flowering plant in the genus Hydrangea, native to eastern and southern China, Korea, and Japan. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 4 m (13 ft) tall and wide, with large, deeply lobed leaves and conical panicles of white flowers in summer and autumn.

Also called

• Snowball hydrangea
  
• Peegee hydrangea
  
• Oakleaf hydrangea
  
• Panicle hydrangea
  
• Mophead hydrangea

Good to Know

• The leaf shape of the oakleaf hydrangea is unique among hydrangeas.
  
• Oakleaf hydrangeas are native to North America.
  
• The flowers of the oakleaf hydrangea are white, but they may also be pink or purple.
  
• The oakleaf hydrangea is named for its resemblance to the leaves of an oak tree.
  
• Oakleaf hydrangeas are large shrubs that can reach up to 15 feet in height.
  
• The oakleaf hydrangea blooms in late spring or early summer.
  
• The flowers of the oakleaf hydrangea are borne on large, showy clusters.
  
• Oakleaf hydrangeas are relatively easy to grow and are very tolerant of both sun and shade.
  
• These shrubs are relatively low maintenance and do not require a lot of pruning.
  
• Oakleaf hydrangeas are deer resistant.

Related plant:
Munchkin Oakleaf Hydrangea

Planting Process

1. For oakleaf hydrangea, first step is to find a planting location. It is important to select a site that has well-drained soil and receives full sun to partial shade.
   
2. Once you have selected a planting location, the next step is to prepare the soil. You will need to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
   
3. After the soil has been prepared, it is time to plant the oakleaf hydrangea. When planting, make sure to space the plants about 3 to 4 feet apart.
   
4. Once the plants are in the ground, water them well.
   
5. As the plants grow, you will need to provide them with support. This can be done by tying the plants to a stake or trellis.
   
6. In order to keep the oakleaf hydrangea blooming throughout the summer, you will need to deadhead the flowers. Deadheading is simply removing the spent blooms.
   
7. Fertilize the plants once every month during the growing season.
   
8. In the fall, prepare the plants for winter by applying a layer of mulch.
   
9. When the weather turns cold, you will need to protect the plants from freezing temperatures. This can be done by covering the plants with a burlap cloth.
   
10. Once the danger of frost has passed, you can remove the burlap cloth and enjoy the beauty of the oakleaf hydrangea.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, oakleaf hydrangeas prefer moderately acidic to neutral soils, with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0. They are tolerant of a wide range of soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. They will not tolerate soggy soils. If you have heavy clay soils, consider amending them with organic matter to improve drainage. These shrubs are also tolerant of salt, making them good choices for coastal gardens.

Light condition

Like the other hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas need at least 4 hours of sun per day to produce blooms. The more sun they get, the more blooms they will produce. They will also do well in partial shade, but they will not produce as many blooms.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for the oakleaf hydrangea is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does not tolerate extreme heat or extreme cold very well. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the plant will start to wilt and the flowers will start to fade. If the temperature gets too cold, the plant will become dormant and the leaves will fall off.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl up. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to droop and the flowers will start to wilt.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this type of plant need, is high in phosphorus, which helps with blooming. root system of the oakleaf hydrangea is rather shallow, so be careful not to overwater, which could cause root rot. The best way to ensure your plant is getting the right amount of water is to check the soil before watering.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your oakleaf hydrangea healthy and vigorous. 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 without harming it. selective pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to shape the plant or remove damaged or diseased foliage.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from the tips of the plant. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a shady location until they are rooted.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be slow to medium. However, in ideal growing conditions, some oakleaf hydrangeas can grow quite rapidly. The average growth rate for an oakleaf hydrangea is about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are usually fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These can be easily controlled with the use of fungicides. pests, such as aphids, mites, and scale, can also be a problem for this plant. Insecticides can be used to control these pests.

Growing Tips

• Do not forget to water your oakleaf hydrangea regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  
• Place your oakleaf hydrangea in an area that receives partial to full sun for best results.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
  
• fertilizer once a year in the spring using a slow-release product.
  
• Prune oakleaf hydrangeas as needed to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged growth.
  
• Be on the lookout for common pests and diseases such as aphids, leaf miners, and powdery mildew.
  
• Divide large clumps of oakleaf hydrangeas every few years to help promote healthy growth.
  
• Use organic methods whenever possible to avoid harming the plant.
  
• Avoid placing oakleaf hydrangeas too close to walkways or other areas where they may

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Source:
Oakleaf Hydrangea - University of Florida, Institute of Food and ...
oakleaf hydrangea | UMass Amherst Greenhouse Crops and …
Oakleaf Hydrangea