Oakleaf Hydrangea

Oakleaf hydrangea is the hydrangea with the best fall color, and it is not close. The large, deeply lobed leaves that give the plant its common name turn bronze, burgundy, red, and purple in autumn, producing a display that rivals any deciduous shrub in the regional palette. Before that, in early summer, conical clusters of white flowers open along the branch tips, aging through pink to dried brown. The exfoliating bark reveals cinnamon-brown inner bark on mature stems, adding winter interest after the leaves drop. Native to the southeastern United States, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi.

In Western Washington, oakleaf hydrangea performs well in part shade to full sun with well-drained soil. Like bigleaf hydrangea, it blooms on old wood, so avoid hard pruning in winter or you lose the flowers. Unlike bigleaf hydrangea, the fall color alone justifies the plant even in years when bloom is sparse. It is more drought-tolerant than other hydrangeas once established. 'Snow Queen' is the standard selection for heavy flowering and reliable fall color. 'Ruby Slippers' stays compact and ages to deep pink. No significant disease or pest concerns are tracked. For a four-season shrub that provides summer flowers, exceptional fall color, winter bark interest, and architectural form, oakleaf hydrangea has no equal among hydrangeas in the region.