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Description
Hydrangea Quercifolia, also known as Oakleaf Hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family and is known for its large, cone-shaped clusters of white, pink, or red flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The plant’s leaves are also quite striking, with lobed, oak-shaped leaves that turn a beautiful red or bronze color in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
Appearance
Hydrangea Quercifolia typically grows to be around 6-8 feet tall and wide. The shrub has a rounded shape and can be pruned to maintain its size and shape. The plant’s leaves are 4-12 inches long and wide, and are deeply lobed with a distinct oak-leaf shape. In the fall, the leaves turn beautiful shades of red, orange, and bronze. The flowers are cone-shaped clusters that can reach up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. They bloom in late spring to early summer and come in shades of white, pink, or red.
Care Guide
Water: Hydrangea Quercifolia prefers consistent moisture, so it’s important to keep the soil evenly moist. During periods of drought, the plant may need additional watering. Fertilization: It’s recommended to fertilize Hydrangea Quercifolia once a year in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may not be able to absorb nutrients properly. Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade. Hardiness Zones: Hydrangea Quercifolia is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrangea Quercifolia is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Pests: The plant may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Diseases: The plant may be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust.
Habitat
Hydrangea Quercifolia is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in woodland areas and along stream banks. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Hydrangea Quercifolia?
A: Hydrangea Quercifolia prefers consistent moisture, so it’s important to keep the soil evenly moist. During periods of drought, the plant may need additional watering.Q: What is the best time to fertilize my Hydrangea Quercifolia?
A: It’s recommended to fertilize Hydrangea Quercifolia once a year in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Hydrangea Quercifolia?
A: The plant may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects, as well as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust.Q: What is the ideal pH level for the soil for Hydrangea Quercifolia?
A: Hydrangea Quercifolia prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0.
Related Plants
– Hydrangea Arborescens- Hydrangea Macrophylla- Hydrangea Paniculata- Hydrangea Serrata
References
– “Hydrangea quercifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286370. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021.- “Hydrangea quercifolia.” NC State Extension, https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/oakleaf-hydrangea. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021.- “Hydrangea quercifolia.” The Morton Arboretum, https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/oakleaf-hydrangea. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021.
