(Photo:'Snow Queen' Oakleaf Hydrangea/MyShadyGarden)

I happen to really like hydrangeas.  These shrubs come in all different colors and shapes and work in my shady garden.  I have the space and enjoy having several types of hydrangeas.

One of my favorite summer shrubs has just now coming into bloom – the oakleaf hydrangea.   I planted ‘Snow Queen’ Oakleaf Hydrangea (quercifolia).  It grows 4-8’ tall and is native to North America.  We planted in front of a white stucco wall and thought that the oak leaf would be able to show itself off against all that white stucco.

The oakleaf hydrangea really is a shrub for all seasons – though now is one of the most glorious. In summer it bears conical clusters of single petal white flowers that are unlike most hydrangeas.  And the leaves that give this bush its name are large and lobed like an oak.

In fall those leaves turn a beautiful blood red and are striking next to the dried and faded blooms, which become kind of a mottled tan colored.  In winter/early spring the bark is cinnamon colored and hangs loosely – kind of exfoliating to give it interest before it leafs out. Continue reading →