Broad, full white panicles open in summer over oversized leaves on this compact oakleaf hydrangea, which forms a dense, rounded mound. Hydrangea quercifolia Gatsby Glow Ball® 'NCHQ1' reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and wide in part sun to part shade, hardy from Zone 5 through Zone 9.
The flowers open bright white with a green tint, age to lime green, and can pick up pink tones in cool weather. The leaves turn burgundy and red in fall.
Oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia, is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows wild along woodland edges. The leaves are deeply lobed like an oak's, large and coarse-textured, and they color late in fall, often holding into early winter. On older stems the bark peels in thin cinnamon-brown strips that show after the leaves drop.
Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, setting next year's flower buds in late summer. The flowers stay white regardless of soil pH, though many age to pink or rose as nights cool. Prune in summer right after flowering and no later than August, since cutting in fall or early spring removes the buds. Dead stems can come out in spring, once new growth shows which ones are dead. Once established, oakleaf hydrangea takes more sun and more dry spells than bigleaf hydrangea, though it needs steady moisture its first year or two.
The rounded habit suits a low hedge, a mixed bed, a woodland edge, or a large container, and it tolerates heat and salt spray.
Size at Maturity
Height 3'- 4' Spread 3'- 4'
Growing Zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9
Lowest Temperatures -20°F to -10°F
Light Requirements
Part sun to part shade - 3 to 6 hours of direct sun, or dappled light through the day
Wildlife Benefits
Seasons of Interest
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