How Do You Care For Oakleaf Hydrangeas?
Unlike the familiar pink- and blue-flowered hydrangeas from China and Japan, the oakleaf hydrangea is native to the southeastern United States. This deciduous shrub reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and wide and is named for its handsome, jagged leaves, which are large, long and deeply lobed – somewhat the same shape as oak leaves. They turn from deep green in summer to shades of purple, burgundy, red or orange in the fall. Large, cone-shaped clusters of white flowers emerge in late spring, changing to pink and then tan into summer and fall. This distinguished plant is quite easy to care for. Plant oakleaf hydrangeas in partial shade. If they are put in a proper location, they will usually grow well with little additional care. An ideal site, such as the north side or east side of a building, receives four to six hours of sun in the morning and shade for the rest of the day. In cooler climates, these plants can handle full sun. They will not flower well in the deep shade under trees. Water your
