Gatsby Star® Hydrangea

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

The Proven Winners ColorChoice® Gatsby Star® Oakleaf Hydrangea is perfect for anyone looking for something truly unique! The panicle hydrangea blooms are covered in tiny star-shaped petals. These large blooms are white all season long. The foliage has green oak-tree-shaped leaves in spring and summer that turn burgundy in the fall, giving 3 season interest for this shrub!

We really like how these look as a statement shrub in a garden, or in a woodland themed garden. For something not typically found anywhere, consider these in mass-plantings in commercial areas to draw attention and encourage people to remember the landscaping area!

Gatsby Star Hydrangea Care

Oakleaf hydrangeas should be planted in well-drained soil. These shrubs do require regular water, especially until they are established. These do best in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade to help protect against the sweltering heat on summer days. Even more important to provide some afternoon relief in southern states. In northern states with harsh winters, you should provide extra protection to the branches and roots, because this shrub blooms on old wood. We recommend adding mulch to help retain moisture and help protect the roots too.

Prune Gatsby Star Hydrangeas in mid-summer after the shrub has first bloomed. This will ensure you don’t cut off the flower buds for this year, or remove next year’s flowers as well.

Fertilize these shrubs in spring, after the plant has had over a year to get established after planting. Use slow release fertilizer designed for trees and woody shrubs.

Gatsby Star Hydrangea Spacing

The Gatsby Star hydrangea should be planted 8 feet apart, center on center. For a colorful privacy hedge that is native and has 3 seasons of interest, you should plant 5 to 6 feet apart, center on center. These shrubs require extra large planters to be able to handle the size the shrub will eventually grow.