Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea

If you think all hydrangeas need shade and lots of water, and grow best in cooler areas, think again. The Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea thrives in full sun, and grows well in hot, humid or dry parts of the country, bringing hydrangeas to places you wouldn’t think possible. With its magnificent panicles of white flowers it doesn’t care about acid or alkaline soils either, and when those white flowers turn a gorgeous pink as they age, you will realize what a valuable shrub this really is. Usually flowering through June and July, it brings color to early summer, standing 6 feet tall and up to 10 feet wide once mature. Let’s not forget the unique and striking large leaves, lobed and cut reminiscent of giant oak leaves, or how they turn wonderful shades of reds and purples in the fall, often staying all winter in the warmest zones. A great shrub for the back of borders, or to grow along the edge of woodland, or even right out on the lawn. A very easy shrub that deserves a lot more attention – as do all the Oakleaf Hydrangeas, which are American native plants.

• A profusion of 9-inch panicles of brilliant white
• Ornamental lobed leaves that turn reds and purples in fall
• Blooms June and July, getting summer of to a great start
• Much more sun and heat tolerant than other hydrangeas, so a great choice in hot zones
• An improved form of America’s own native hydrangea

The Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea grows well in full sun, and in partial shade, and it tolerates much drier conditions than other hydrangeas. Plant it in rich but well-drained soil, and established plants are remarkably drought tolerant. Usually ignored by deer and free of pests or diseases, it doesn’t even need pruning – just take off the spent flower heads. A great choice in the southeast because of its tolerance of heat and humidity, but easy to grow in all but the coldest zones.