The Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia, is an upright, deciduous shrub with a broad, rounded habit that typically grows 4-6' tall. It features elongated white flowers which slowly turn pinkish purple with age. The most vigorous blooming of all the hydrangea's. The blooms often weigh down the branches. Long late spring to summer bloom period. Distinctive, deeply lobed, somewhat coarse, oak-like, deep green leaves (to 8" long) turn attractive shades of bronze, crimson or purple in autumn.
Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark which is attractive in winter. Mass or group in a mixed shrub border or naturalize in a native plant or open woodland garden. It also may be used for backgrounds, accents or specimens, foundation plantings or hedges. Best grown in fertile, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Mulch root zone in summer and provide somewhat constant moisture. Little pruning is needed, but should be done any time after flowering.