Oakleaf Hydrangeas That Thrive In Shade

Oakleaf Hydrangeas That Thrive in Shade

If you have a shady spot in your garden, you're in luck! Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are a beautiful and versatile shrub that can thrive in even the darkest of corners. With their large, oak-shaped leaves and showy clusters of white, pink, or blue flowers, oakleaf hydrangeas are sure to add a touch of elegance to any shady garden.

Here are some of the reasons why oakleaf hydrangeas are such a great choice for shady gardens:

• They are shade tolerant. Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate full shade, but they will also do well in part shade.
• They are drought tolerant. Once established, oakleaf hydrangeas are relatively drought tolerant.
• They are deer resistant. Oakleaf hydrangeas are not as appealing to deer as some other types of hydrangeas.
• They are long-lived. Oakleaf hydrangeas can live for many years with proper care.
• They are versatile. Oakleaf hydrangeas can be used as a specimen plant, in a hedge, or in a mixed border.

If you're thinking about adding an oakleaf hydrangea to your garden, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. Too much shade will result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.
• Plant your oakleaf hydrangea in well-drained soil. Oakleaf hydrangeas are susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
• Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting. This will help to improve drainage and provide nutrients for your hydrangea.
• Water your oakleaf hydrangea regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize your oakleaf hydrangea in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
• Prune your oakleaf hydrangea in the spring, just before new growth begins.

With proper care, your oakleaf hydrangea will thrive in your shady garden for many years to come.

Here are some additional tips for growing oakleaf hydrangeas:

• If you live in an area with hot summers, provide your oakleaf hydrangea with some afternoon shade.
• Oakleaf hydrangeas are susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can cause white spots on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, water your hydrangea in the morning so that the leaves have a chance to dry before nightfall. You can also spray your hydrangea with a fungicide as a preventative measure.
• Oakleaf hydrangeas are not as cold hardy as some other types of hydrangeas. If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to protect your hydrangea with a layer of mulch or burlap.

With a little care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of oakleaf hydrangeas in your shady garden for many years to come.

Oakleaf hydrangeas are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they can be tricky to grow in full shade. If you're looking for the best oakleaf hydrangea for shade, is a great resource.

has a comprehensive guide to oakleaf hydrangeas, including information on the best varieties for shade, how to care for them, and how to deadhead them. They also have a blog with helpful articles on topics such as choosing the right location for your oakleaf hydrangea, preventing pests and diseases, and troubleshooting common problems.

If you're serious about growing oakleaf hydrangeas in shade, is the place to go for information. Their team of experts is passionate about hydrangeas and they're always happy to help gardeners find the right plants for their needs.

FAQ of best oakleaf hydrangea for shade

1. What is the best oakleaf hydrangea for shade?

There are many great oakleaf hydrangeas for shade, but some of the most popular include:

• Alice: This is a large, upright shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall and wide. It has large, dark green leaves and white flowers that turn pink in the fall.
• Snow Queen: This is a compact shrub that only grows 4-6 feet tall and wide. It has white flowers that stay white throughout the summer.
• Ruby Slippers: This is a dwarf shrub that only grows 3-4 feet tall and wide. It has white flowers that turn pink to red in the fall.
• Little Honey: This is a dwarf shrub with chartreuse-colored leaves and white flowers. It only grows 3-4 feet tall and wide.
• Sike's Dwarf: This is a very compact shrub that only grows 2-3 feet tall and wide. It has dark green leaves and white flowers.

The best oakleaf hydrangea for your garden will depend on the amount of space you have, the desired size of the shrub, and the color of flowers you prefer.

2. How much sunlight do oakleaf hydrangeas need?

Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate full shade, but they will also do well in part shade or even some full sun. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to choose a variety that is more tolerant of sun, such as 'Alice' or 'Snow Queen'.

3. What kind of soil do oakleaf hydrangeas need?

Oakleaf hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil. If your soil is sandy or clayey, you may need to add some organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve drainage.

4. How much water do oakleaf hydrangeas need?

Oakleaf hydrangeas need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Once they are established, they can tolerate some drought conditions, but they will produce more flowers if they are watered regularly.

5. How do I care for my oakleaf hydrangea in the winter?

Oakleaf hydrangeas are hardy in USDA zones 3-9. In colder climates, you may need to protect the roots from freezing by mulching around the plant with 2-3 inches of organic matter. You may also need to tie the branches down to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow.

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• Annabelle Oakleaf Hydrangea is a popular choice for shade gardens, as it can tolerate full shade and still produce large, showy blooms. The blooms start out white and gradually turn pink or blue as they age.
• Limelight Oakleaf Hydrangea is another good option for shade gardens. It produces large, lime green blooms that turn a soft pink in the fall.
• Little Lime Oakleaf Hydrangea is a dwarf variety of oakleaf hydrangea that is perfect for smaller gardens. It produces small, lime green blooms that turn a soft pink in the fall.
• PeeGee Oakleaf Hydrangea is a tall, spreading variety of oakleaf hydrangea that can tolerate full shade. It produces large, white blooms that turn pink or blue as they age.
• Tardiva Oakleaf Hydrangea is a late-blooming variety of oakleaf hydrangea that can tolerate full shade. It produces large, white blooms that turn pink or blue in the fall.