The Best Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties for Shade

Oleh Anonymous October 11, 2023 Post a Comment

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Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and beauty to their landscape. These plants are known for their large, showy flowers that bloom in summer and fall, as well as their stunning foliage that often changes color throughout the year. However, not all oakleaf hydrangea varieties are created equal when it comes to shade tolerance. In this article, we'll explore some of the best oakleaf hydrangea varieties for shady gardens.

Best Oakleaf Hydrangea for Shade: Gatsby Star

One of the best oakleaf hydrangea varieties for shade is Gatsby Star. This cultivar features large, double-blooming white flowers that can reach up to 12 inches across. The blooms appear in early summer and last well into fall, providing plenty of visual interest throughout the growing season. Gatsby Star is also known for its exceptional foliage, which turns from dark green to burgundy in the fall. This plant prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Planting and Care

To plant Gatsby Star, choose a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Backfill the hole with a mixture of compost and native soil, and water well. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, and fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Large, double-blooming flowers
Stunning fall foliage
Tolerates shade well

Cons:

May require staking to support heavy blooms
Can be susceptible to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases

Best Oakleaf Hydrangea for Shade: Alice

Another great option for shady gardens is Alice oakleaf hydrangea. This cultivar features large, cone-shaped flower clusters that out white before turning pink and finally fading to a rich bronze color in the fall. The foliage is also quite attractive, with large, deeply lobed leaves that turn red or purple in the fall. Alice prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Planting and Care

To plant Alice, choose a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Backfill the hole with a mixture of compost and native soil, and water well. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, and fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Attractive flowers that change color throughout the season
Beautiful fall foliage
Tolerates shade well

Cons:

May require pruning to maintain shape and size
Can be susceptible to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases

Best Oakleaf Hydrangea for Shade: Snow Queen

Snow Queen oakleaf hydrangea is another great option for shady gardens. This cultivar features large, cone-shaped flower clusters that out white before turning pink and finally fading to a rich bronze color in the fall. The foliage is also quite attractive, with large, deeply lobed leaves that turn red or purple in the fall. Snow Queen prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Planting and Care

To plant Snow Queen, choose a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Backfill the hole with a mixture of compost and native soil, and water well. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, and fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Large, showy flowers
Attractive fall foliage
Tolerates shade well

Cons:

Can be susceptible to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases
May require pruning to maintain shape and size

Best Oakleaf Hydrangea for Shade: Ruby Slippers

Ruby Slippers oakleaf hydrangea is a compact variety that's perfect for small spaces. It features large, cone-shaped flower clusters that out white before turning pink and finally fading to a rich bronze color in the fall. The foliage is also quite attractive, with large, deeply lobed leaves that turn red or purple in the fall. Ruby Slippers prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Planting and Care

To plant Ruby Slippers, choose a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Backfill the hole with a mixture of compost and native soil, and water well. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, and fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Compact size makes it perfect for small gardens
Attractive flowers and foliage
Tolerates shade well

Cons:

May require pruning to maintain shape and size
Can be susceptible to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases

If you're looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant for your shady garden, oakleaf hydrangeas are an excellent choice. With their large, showy flowers and stunning foliage, these plants are sure to add a touch of elegance and beauty to any landscape. Some of the best oakleaf hydrangea varieties for shade include Gatsby Star, Alice, Snow Queen, and Ruby Slippers. Just be sure to plant them in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil for best results.

FAQs

Q: How tall do oakleaf hydrangeas grow?

A: Oakleaf hydrangeas typically grow between 4 and 6 feet tall and wide, although some cultivars can get larger.

Q: Do oakleaf hydrangeas need a lot of water?

A: Yes, oakleaf hydrangeas prefer moist soil and should be watered deeply once a week during dry spells.

Q: Can oakleaf hydrangeas grow in full sun?

A: While oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate some sun, they prefer partial shade to protect their foliage from scorching.

Q: When is the best time to prune oakleaf hydrangeas?

A: Oakleaf hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Q: How do I prevent powdery mildew on my oakleaf hydrangeas?

A: To prevent powdery mildew, make sure your oakleaf hydrangeas are planted in well-drained soil and have good air circulation. You can also treat them with a fungicide if necessary.

Great, let's get ed then!

Oakleaf hydrangeas are a wonderful choice for gardeners looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that thrives in shady conditions. Here are three of the best oakleaf hydrangeas for shade:

'Alice' Oakleaf Hydrangea - This hydrangea produces large, showy blooms in early summer, and its foliage turns a stunning shade of burgundy in the fall. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for filling out larger spaces.
'Snowflake' Oakleaf Hydrangea - As the name suggests, this hydrangea produces an abundance of snow-white flowers in late spring and early summer. Its compact size (up to 6 feet tall and wide) makes it ideal for smaller gardens or as a border plant.
'Pee Wee' Oakleaf Hydrangea - This dwarf variety only reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens or container planting. Despite its small size, it still produces an impressive display of white flowers in late spring and early summer.

No matter which variety you choose, oakleaf hydrangeas are sure to add beauty and interest to any shady garden. Happy planting! I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you'd like me to continue with. Could you please give me more information or ask a specific question?