Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea

Light Needs

Partial Sun

(5-6 Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

At first glance, Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea may appear like any other hydrangea, but this variety excels in adapting to all seasons and providing a unique and showy presentation every time. Bred by Michael Dirr, rich dark-green, textured foliage transitions to deep scarlet, burgundy, and purple tones, showcasing eye-catching, 8-inch leaves in both fall and winter. In July, large 14-inch white flowers bloom, turn pink, and mature to beige, just in time for the foliage to take center stage. The trunk also draws its fair share of attention with rich copper-brown exfoliating bark that adds texture and emphasizes the colors of the leaves, popping in cool winter tones. 

This hydrangea is a vigorous grower with a rate of 12 to 24 inches per year. With a round and upright habit, this deciduous shrub’s form only complements its striking display of color and texture. Hardy in zones 5 through 8 and incredibly low maintenance, it is disease resistant with a notable resistance to foliage diseases. Use Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea as a conversation-provoking specimen plant, in small groups, or as part of an informal hedge or shrub border. This plant would do particularly well in a woodland or winter-style garden. 

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea Care

Plant in moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.0 to 6.5 in an area that receives full to partial sun. Water frequently during the first several weeks to establish a healthy and deep root system, keeping the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Check the moisture levels of your soil by sticking your finger into the ground up to your second knuckle; if your finger is dry, it's time to water. Avoid overwatering to decrease the chances of your plant getting root rot. Oakleaf hydrangeas are the most drought-resistant hydrangea variety; once established, water them only when the soil is dry or during dry-weather spells. Fertilize every spring and summer with a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer at a rate of 1.5 oz for every 10 feet. Protect its root system in the summer from scorching heat and moisture evaporation by adding a layer of mulch over the root system, pulling it away from the base of the trunk.

Deadhead spent flowers directly after blooming to tidy the shrub and allow reblooming. Take care to avoid pruning wooden stems and branches, as flower buds appear on second-year growth.

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea Spacing

This hydrangea has a height and spread of 6 to 8 feet. Space young plants 6 to 12 feet apart to account for their mature size.

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