Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-6 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

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.