Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
Hydrangeaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia, Hydrangeaceae) is a multi-stemmed, stoloniferous deciduous shrub native to Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, reaching 4 to 6 feet tall (occasionally 8 feet). Oak-like, deeply lobed leaves (6 to 20 centimeters) turn red, orange, and purple in fall. White pyramidal flower panicles appear from May to July, and exfoliating cinnamon-orange bark provides winter interest.
Oakleaf hydrangea grows in full sun (needs some sun for bloom) on fertile, moist, well-drained soil, hardy in Zones 5a to 8b. It blooms on old wood; prune after flowering. Disease and pest profiles match the genus. Cultivars include 'Ruby Slippers' (compact, aging to ruby-red), 'Snow Queen' (heavy bloom), 'Pee Wee' (compact), and 'Munchkin.'
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Oakleaf Hydrangea typically reaches 'first bloom' at 2573 GDD₃₂, predicted around Jun 8.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,392 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,402 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,462 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,467 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,472 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,498 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,503 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NEXT | 2573 | '' est. Jun 8 (avg) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Hover over GDD values for source details. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.