Common Oakleaf Hydrangea

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-6 Feet

Mature Spread

6-7 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

With its huge blooms and wonderful fall color, you will be hard pressed to beat this Common Oakleaf Hydrangea. Also known as Hydrangea quercifolia, the Common Oakleaf Hydrangea is a large shrub that can grow to 5 to 6 feet tall. It produces 12-inch long white flowers in summer before its large palmate foliage turns from green to dark red and orange. Furthermore, its cinnamon-colored back adds some interest over the winter.  

This deciduous shrub is a native of North America. It generally grows pest-free and is suitable for growing in USDA zones 5 to 8. Oakleaf hydrangeas are more  resistant to deer than some other Hydrangeas and handle heat and humidity better. The Common Oakleaf Hydrangea looks equally impressive when grown as a standalone shrub or when planted in a row to form an informal hedge. 

Common Oakleaf Hydrangea Care

The Common Oakleaf Hydrangea performs best when grown in full sun or partial shade. It prefers a rich and fertile soil that is moist and slightly acidic. Water deeply and frequently to help this shrub establish. From then on, aim to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Although not essential, to help support the flowers and foliage, you can apply a slow-release general fertilizer in late winter.  

You can prune the Common Oakleaf Hydrangea to tidy or reduce its size after the flowers fade. Pruning later in the year should be avoided as this will reduce the blooms the following summer. To help conserve moisture, apply a mulch around the base of the shrub in spring using wood chips, compost, or pine needles. 

Common Oakleaf Hydrangea Spacing

When fully grown, the Common Oakleaf Hydrangea is 5 to 6 feet tall and 6 to 7 feet wide. When grown as a group, you can plant this hydrangea around 5 to 7 feet apart.