About
the
Hydrangea
-
Oakleaf
:
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.