Native Plant Wildlife Gardening

Oakleaf Hydrangea is a native shrub that I haven’t enough good to say about. I’ll admit that I am Hydrangea quercifolia crazy, I have several and have been trying to rationalize stuffing a few more on my property. At 6′-10′ tall with an equal spread, this is not a plant you tuck in a corner.

There is a lot to like about this wonderful native. Around May or June it will put on a display of showy, white cone shape flowers which will go through a color cycle of pink to purplish and finally a dusty brown in fall. When in bloom it certainly has what I would consider visual impact. The large textured leaves provide interesting summer foliage and the fall color is stunning. Even in winter Hydrangea quercifolia is looking lovely with exfoliating, tangled branches.

It’s a native. That means low maintenance. If your soil is decent in the first place, dig a hole, plant it and let it grow. There is no pruning needed and the water requirements, while not xeriscaping, are low enough. It will let you know when it needs a drink but does not care to be over watered. I personally have had no pest problems only the occasional black spots on leaves at summer’s end.

And the fall color is remarkable. These are photos I took for record keeping only and below is a species oakleaf, planted mid summer, which settled in instantly like it had not been transplanted at all. After this picture was taken it turned bright salmon and combined with the sassafras seedlings I have all over the dang place, lit up the woods. When it’s larger it should be about blinding.

Then yesterday I was in that area admiring how the same little oakleaf had turned red.

For the wildlife habitat garden Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia will add value as a late spring, early summer food source for native bees. When it is lager, unlike my wee little guy in the picture, it provides great coverage for birds and makes a fantastic addition to a mixed hedgerow. The tangled branch structure also provides bird nesting sites. All in all, Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia is a mutli season interest, old fashioned garden shrub that is an asset in a backyard sanctuary. It’s a perfect plant for adding beauty to your landscape while sharing space with wildlife.

Smaller cultivars available are Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Pee Wee’ at 3-4′ tall x 3′ wide and ‘Little Honey’ with gold leaves at 4′-6′ tall. You can purchase these through Wilkerson Mill Gardens or Fairweather Gardens.