Hydrangea quercifolia

Description: A mound forming shrub with brilliant red – orange – bronze-purple autumn leaf colour. The leaves resemble an oak leaf in shape. Unlike most other deciduous hydrangeas the quercifolia will hold its fabulously coloured leaves well into the autumn and winter. The large sterile flower heads are white in colour changing to pink.

Uses: Good as a woodland plant or in a border with dappled shade.  Grown to give foliage interest more than for its flowers.

Climate / Position: Dappled sunlight to shade.

Height / Spread: Height 2m. Spread 2m.

Soil Requirements: Humus rich, well drained soil.

Pruning : Old or weak stems can be pruned in spring.

Special Requirements: Mulch annually with leaf mould.

Additional Interest: Hydrangea derives from the Greek word hydro (water) referring to the flowers resembling a vase or urn in shape.