Hydrangea quercifolia - oak leaf hydrangea (15 cm pot)

Genus composed of several deciduous shrubby or sometimes climbing species with showy flowers gathered in inflorescences. Hydrangea quercifolia is a deciduous shrub with a bushy habit up to 1.5-2.5 m tall. The bark is brown and in winter it peels off, revealing the new light brown wood. The leaves, up to 20 cm long, are lobed and resemble in shape those of the oaks from which the plant takes its name.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name. In autumn before falling, the leaves take on magnificent orange-red hues. In spring it produces numerous apical inflorescences formed by small creamy white flowers.

Pedoclimatic requirements

It requires fresh and well-drained soils with a neutral or sub-acid reaction, although it tolerates moderately alkaline ones. It likes a partially shaded exposure but is also suitable for cultivation in the sun. Avoid winter pruning as the flowers are produced by the apical buds. Containment pruning should therefore be carried out by trimming the branches after flowering. It does not resist prolonged drought and in the case of particularly dry summers it should be watered regularly. Compared to the more cultivated H. macrophylla, this species is less demanding and resists sun and drought better.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Hydrangea quercifolia

Family: Hydrangeaceae