How to Grow Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Oakleaf hydrangea varieties is a deciduous shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It typically grows in moist, shady areas and produces large, showy flowers in a variety of colors.

How to Grow Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Sevenbark hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')
  • Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Grandiflora')
  • French hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mme. Charles Soupert')
  • Mophead hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Pimkiewiczz')
  • Lacecap hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Variegata')

Things to Know

  • Oakleaf hydrangeas are a type of deciduous shrub.
  • They are native to eastern and southern United States.
  • The leaves of oakleaf hydrangeas are shaped like oak leaves and are usually dark green in color.
  • The flowers of oakleaf hydrangeas are white, cone-shaped, and grow in clusters.
  • Hydrangeas are generally low-maintenance plants.
  • Oakleaf hydrangeas are drought-tolerant and can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
  • They prefer well-drained, acidic soils.
  • Oakleaf hydrangeas can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings.
  • Flowering typically occurs in late spring or early summer.
  • The oakleaf hydrangea is the state flower of Alabama.

Related plant:
Munchkin Oakleaf Hydrangea

Growing Steps

  1. For oakleaf hydrangea varieties, first step is to find a good spot in your yard that receives partial sun to full sun.
  2. Then, till the soil in the selected spot and mix in some organic compost.
  3. Next, you will need to take your oakleaf hydrangea plant out of its current pot.
  4. Gently loosen the root ball and plant the oakleaf hydrangea in the hole you dug.
  5. Once planted, water the oakleaf hydrangea deeply.
  6. You will need to fertilize the oakleaf hydrangea regularly (about once a month).
  7. In late spring, you can begin to deadhead the spent blooms.
  8. To encourage more blooming, you can prune the oakleaf hydrangea after it blooms in late summer.
  9. Lastly, make sure to protect the oakleaf hydrangea from extreme cold weather in the winter.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful oakleaf hydrangea plant!

Related plant:
Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, The Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is not too particular and will grow in most any well-drained soil. It does best, however, in slightly acidic to neutral soils rich in organic matter. Amended soils are especially important in hot summer regions where the Oakleaf Hydrangea's shallow root system tends to dry out quickly.

Light condition

So, like the other hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas need at least 4 hours of sunlight each day in order to bloom well. However, they can tolerate 6 to 8 hours of sun per day. If you live in a hot climate, it's best to plant them in an area that gets some afternoon shade.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition is the most important factor in determining which oakleaf hydrangea variety is best for your garden. If you live in an area with hot summers, choose a variety that is heat tolerant. If you live in an area with cold winters, choose a variety that is cold hardy.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. It can tolerant lower and higher humidity level but not for long time. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will develop brown spots.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this type of plant responds well to organic compost and mulching. A root booster can also be added to the soil to help the plant establish itself. When it comes to Oakleaf Hydrangea varieties, there are many to choose from. Some of the more popular ones include: Hydrangea quercifolia, Hydrangea arborescens, and Hydrangea paniculata.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is one of the most important tasks when it comes to taking care of your oakleaf hydrangea. By pruning, you can encourage new growth, prevent the plant from becoming overgrown, and manage its shape. There are a few things to keep in mind when pruning your oakleaf hydrangea. First, you'll want to prune in early spring, before new growth begins. This will ensure that you don't damage any new growth. Second, you'll want to cut back the stems by about one-third to encourage new growth. And finally, you'll want to make sure that you don't prune too much, as this can damage the plant. If you follow these tips, you'll be able to keep your oakleaf hydrangea healthy and happy for years to come.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of oakleaf hydrangeas is most commonly done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, new growth that has not flowered yet. Remove the bottom leaves and stick the cuttings into moistened potting mix or perlite. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse and place in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and within a few weeks, roots should form and new growth will appear. Once the new plants are established, they can be transplanted into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is rather fast, especially when compared to other shrubs. They can easily add 2 to 3 feet in height every year until they reach their full adult size. Some varieties may even grow a bit faster than this. Given the opportunity and proper care, oakleaf hydrangeas can live for decades and continue to produce an abundance of beautiful flowers each year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are fungal diseases, particularly leaf spot and powdery mildew. These problems are more likely to occur in humid conditions or when the foliage is wet. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help to prevent these problems. If they do occur, the affected leaves can be removed and the plants treated with a fungicide.

Tips on Growing

  • If you live in a colder climate, wait to plant your oakleaf hydrangea until the spring.
  • Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
  • Prepare the soil before planting by adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
  • When you plant the oakleaf hydrangea, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
  • Water the plant deeply after planting and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season.
  • Fertilize the oakleaf hydrangea once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the plant in early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Deadhead the flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period.
  • Protect the plant from strong winds by staking it or planting it in a sheltered location.
  • If you live in an area with

Substitution

  • Corylopsis 'Winter Dreams' - Corylopsis pauciflora 'Winter Dreams'
  • Corylopsis pauciflora - winter hazel
  • Corylopsis spicata - fragrant winter hazel
  • Hydrangea acuminata - oakleaf hydrangea
  • Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' - smooth hydrangea, Annabelle hydrangea
  • Hydrangea aspera subsp. sargentiana - Sargent oakleaf hydrangea
  • Hydrangea brachypetala - mountain hydrangea
  • Hydrangea dumicola - mountain hydrangea
  • Hydrangea elegans - mountain hydrangea
  • Hydrangea externa - small hydrangea

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

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category