oakleaf hydrangea

Plant Type

Small Tree/Large Shrub (10-25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

4-8 ft. tall
4-10 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Due to wide variability in the attributes of seedlings, cuttings are the preferred propagation method.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide 6-12 feet spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Susceptible to leaf blight, powdery mildew or aphids and spider mites.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects

Leaves

The opposite leaves are 3-7 lobed and look reminiscent of an oak leaf. Blade suborbiculate to ovate, densely tomentose with serrate margins.

Flowers

Flowers in panicles of 500-1000 flowers. Most often white, but sometimes cream to pink or lavender. Each flower has 4-5 petals, about 1-1.5 inch wide.

Fruit

Hemispheric capsules.

Bark

Twigs are densely tomentose.

Toxicity

Low toxicity. If ingested, could cause nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

No

Closest States Where Native

GA

Plant Native Habitat

Native in hammocks, moist forests, also in disturbed areas, thickets, or forests adjacent to urban or suburban areas.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon in GA