Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Plant Taxonomy of Oakleaf Hydrangeas:

Plant taxonomy classifies oakleaf hydrangeas as Hydrangea quercifolia. This is a case where the Latin genus name (Hydrangea) is so commonly used that it essentially doubles as a common name; when used as a common name, I don't capitalize the word. The cultivar that I have grown is 'Snow Queen.' For research purposes, note that the common species name for these plants is sometimes given as "oak leaf" hydrangeas (two words, instead of one).

Plant Type for Oakleaf Hydrangeas:

Oakleaf hydrangeas are flowering deciduous shrubs.

Characteristics of Oakleaf Hydrangeas:

In summer, oakleaf hydrangea flowers in clusters; the white flowers fade to a pinkish-brown in fall. But the plant's distinguishing characteristic is its oak leaf-shaped foliage. The leathery leaves are large and turn purple, orangey-bronze or red in the fall. Oakleaf hydrangeas routinely achieve a height of 4'-6' and a spread of 4'-6', but can grow to be larger than that. They are multi-stemmed shrubs, and the branches can shoot out from the center in any direction. Exfoliating bark offers winter interest.

Planting Zones for Oakleaf Hydrangeas:

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen' shrubs can be grown in planting zones 5-9. The species plants are indigenous to the southeastern United States.

Sun and Soil Requirements for Oakleaf Hydrangeas:

Oakleaf hydrangeas are understory shrubs in the wild. So in the South, give them afternoon shade; in the North, oakleaf hydrangeas can get by with less shade. Too much shade may reduce the intensity of their fall foliage color. Grow oakleaf hydrangeas in a well-drained soil with an alkaline pH and plenty of humus.

Uses for Oakleaf Hydrangeas:

With their brilliant fall foliage, oakleaf hydrangeas are attractive enough to function as specimen plants. As understory shrubs in the wild, they are also appropriate in woodland gardens. Their big leaves give them a coarse plant texture, useful as a contrast with plants of a more delicate texture. The dried flowers are used in crafts.

Pruning, Care for Oakleaf Hydrangeas:

Oakleaf hydrangea flowers on new growth; prune your plants during their period of dormancy, in late winter or early spring. Mulch to keep the roots cool in summer, especially in hot regions.

Word Origin for Oakleaf Hydrangeas:

I mentioned above that the scientific name for oakleaf hydrangeas is Hydrangea quercifolia. But how does that moniker break down? Well, we're all familiar with the Greek root hydr- as a reference to water, as in "hydrate." Meanwhile, angeon comes from the Greek for "vessel." So in what sense is a hydrangea a water vessel? Well, most species require a lot of watering (oakleaf hydrangeas are an exception in this regard).

As for the species name, quercifolia, literally means "oakleaf" in Latin -- thus explaining the common name, too.