Hydrangea quercifolia

Hydrangea quercifolia, the Oakleaf Hydrangea or Oak-Leaved Hydrangea, is a tall-growing large-leaved Hydrangea from the Southeastern states of the USA. The deeply-lobed foliage is highly ornamental and very exotic-looking: a deep rich green in summer and turning tones of russet, bronzy-red and purplish-brown in autumn with many of the individual leaves remaining throughout the winter. The new growth starts again from late March. The flowers are spectacular erect panicles of creamy-white cone-shaped compound clusters with greenish-white filaments. The flowers turn pinkish in autumn and should be dead-headed when they have finished although they can also be attractive if left to dry on the plant. The fragrant flowers are excellent cut and can also be cut for drying. On mature specimens, the bark can peel back to reveal a handsome dark brown layer beneath.

Hydrangea quercifolia is more tolerant of dry conditions than many Hydrangeas and is hardy throughout the UK although in colder locations will benefit if planted in a warm sheltered aspect against a south-facing wall.