Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Hydrangeas seem a bit intimidating to some gardeners. They all seem to have different pruning times and pH requirements that seem too fussy to worry about. Oakleaf Hydrangeas, on the other hand, may be the least difficult shrub to grow. Pruning only happens once a year, pH does not affect the color of the blooms, their bloom period is very long and the real bonus is that the fall foliage color is amazing. Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea is all of these things and has enormous mauve flower spikes most of the summer. Queen of Hearts is a cross between Pee Wee and Snow Queen.
The fall foliage is intense shades of rust, copper and red. After the leaves fall in the early winter a lovely buckskin brown exfoliating bark is visible. This is one shrub that flower arrangers and hydrangea collectors alike must have. The flower and foliage is long lasting when used for arranging. Using this shrub at the back of a woodland or cottage garden will really enhance the depth of the bed and create a dramatic backdrop for spring and summer blooming perennials.
Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea Care
Oakleaf hydrangeas are very easy to place in the garden. They can tolerate a wide range of all conditions. Full sun to bright full shade, average to rich soil and acidic to alkaline soils are all well tolerated. Mulching in the fall with leaves or organic compost will help to increase the moisture holding capacity of the soil. Watering with soaker hoses or drip irrigation is recommended to keep excess moisture off leaves. Mildew and rust spread easily when leaves are wet for extended periods.
Pruning of Queen of Hearts is rarely required. A light cutting back of branches can be done after blooming is finished. Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom only on previous year’s growth. Suckers do form as this shrub matures. All suckers are easily cut out below the soil surface to keep Queen of Hearts within bounds and compact.
Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea Spacing
The mature height of Queen of Hearts is 5-6 feet with a width of 8-9 feet. Spacing is recommended at 8 feet on center when planting in multiples. Planting as a specimen will require a diameter of 8 feet since the branching structure of Oakleaf Hydrangea goes all of the way to the ground.
Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 5-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 5-6 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink, White
- Flower Description
- Pink, White
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring to Early Summer
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Deep Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Botanical Name
- HYDRANGEA QUE. 'QUEEN OF HEARTS'
- Brand
- Plants That Work
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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