Gatsby Gal® Hydrangea

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-6 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

The Gatsby Gal Hydrangea is a Proven Winners ColorChoice® oakleaf hydrangea shrub. This shrub has white panicle flowers that cover the plant from early summer to fall. This shrub is smaller than typical oakleaf hydrangeas, however it still gets to be 5 to 6 foot tall. The flowers turn from white to pink by fall.

The plant blooms on old wood, like most hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf). The leaves look like leaves from oak trees, hence the name. The panicle flowers protrude from the green foliage to create eye-catching pops of color.

Oakleaf hydrangeas have extra interest with their oak-shaped leaves that turn red in the fall, like a red maple tree. Also, the bark provides extra interest as well. Look closely and you can see if peel back similar to a birch tree.

Gatsby Gal Hydrangea Care

Oakleaf hydrangeas are hardier than most hydrangeas. These can grow from zones 5a to 9b. These need extra protection in the winter if possible. We recommend applying extra mulch to help protect the roots, as well as provide extra moisture retention. There are also other techniques you can do to help protect the branches. You can read more about it in our article about protecting hydrangeas in winter.

If you choose to prune the Gatsby Gal Hydrangea, do so after the first bloom in mid-summer. Otherwise, you can run the risk of cutting off flower buds for the following year. We recommend only pruning dead or sick branches and leaves.

These shrubs should be planted in well-drained soil to help prevent root rot. Plant these shrubs in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade if possible, especially in warmer areas like zones 8 and 9. Consider adding extra winter protection in zones 5 and 6.

Gatsby Gal Hydrangea Spacing

When planting, space the Fire Light Hydrangea 60 - 72 inches apart, center on center. To create an oakleaf hydrangea hedge, plant these 48 to 60 inches apart center on center. These can also be planted in a garden container to add height and color. Only use 1 per container. We also recommend planting these shrubs in the ground in colder climates in the fall, or bringing the container indoors for winter protection.