OAKLEAF, HYDRANGEAS OF COURSE

Draw an outline from North Carolina to the tip of Tennessee then down the western border of Mississippi around Louisiana and the shore lines of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and back to North Carolina and you will be tracing the native range of Hydrangea quercifolia, Oakleaf Hydrangea. 

It grows as well in a mountain zone 5 as a tropical zone 9. Apex, NC is right in the middle at Zone 7 and two of the many cultivars available are thriving in the dappled shade of Stewartia monadelpha along a path in my garden. They have adapted well to Triasic Basin soil pH 4.9. 

H. q. 'Snowflake' ( in the background) and H.q. 'Snow Queen' (up front) make a splendid show right about now. 

I love the fact that the Stewartia blooms at the same time dropping it's 50 cent sized white flowers echoing the the sterile florets of the Hydrangeas hovering above. 

Huge 10-12" panicles of 'Snowflake' blossoms (above) have double florets that drip from the tips of the branches  while the equally long panicles of regal 'Snow Queen' stand up tall at a 45' angle.  (below)

From a landscape point of view (below) in the woodland garden, this plant is a delightful curiosity in all seasons. In winter a tracery of peeling stems allows the sunshine,  low in the sky, to penetrate to the ground. By the end of spring huge Oakleaf shaped leaves fill in completely masking the stems. At summer solstice the flower panicles are at their glory and the in autumn a fireworks of color washes over each exquisite leaf. 

I suspect the reason that we don't see many Oakleaf Hydrangeas in our woodlands today is because they are a tasty favorite of deer.  But that shouldn't stop you from having this big bold joyous shrub in your garden in the woodland.  Fences and sprays are available as deterrents. 

I planted these about 15' out from the house and now the garden room it created is an extension of my bedroom. It's almost indescribable the feeling I get each summer morning waking up to see this dancing party of Oakleaf Hydrangeas. And yet, deep greens and pure whites settled  against the backdrop of the deep woodland comprise a calm vision that I can carry with me through a busy day.