Hydrangea quercifolia  Oak-leaf Hydrangea Hydrangeaceae

  Hydrangea quercifolia   Hydrangea quercifolia

  From southeastern U.S. Moderate to fast growing deciduous shrub. Design height and spread is 4', mature height is 6' and mature spread is 12'. 8 to 10" long deeply lobed and ovate leaves, deep beautiful maroon in fall (H. macrophylla turns yellow). White flowers in panicles, 8 to 10" across, from June through September. Insignificant fruit.

Prefers shade, but does better in sun than H. macrophylla. Likes moist fertile well-drained soil. Tolerates full sun. Subject to powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot and slugs. Propagate by cuttings and seed. Prune to 1' in spring, stays at 3', thin out branches to shape.

Uses: container, background, with ferns, has colorful leaf.

Photos taken at Filoli.