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Oak-leaved hydrangeas

BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
in Plants
Hello everybody!
I love hydrangeas and have several now, just mopheads and paniculatas. Does anybody have a fave oak-leaved variety?  Never had one of those and would like to give one a go.  I'm in north Wales with more or less neutral soil, a mile from the coast but in an elevated position so sea breezes are a factor.
Thanks in advance
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Posts

  • doraTNoMW3epdoraTNoMW3ep Posts: 6

    Hey there!

    I'm also a big fan of hydrangeas, and I think you'll love oak-leaved varieties too. They're great for adding some texture and interest to your garden, with their unique leaves and cone-shaped blooms.

    As for recommendations, I personally love the 'Snow Queen' oak-leaved hydrangea. It has beautiful, large white blooms that fade to pink as they age, and its leaves turn a stunning red in the fall. It's also known for being a relatively compact variety, which can be great if you're short on space.

    Another option to consider is 'Alice', which has similar white cone-shaped blooms but with a more upright habit than 'Snow Queen'. It also has beautiful red-purple fall foliage.

    When it comes to planting, oak-leaved hydrangeas are pretty low-maintenance, like their mophead and paniculata counterparts. Just make sure they're planted in well-draining soil and get enough sunlight. Since you mentioned being close to the coast, it's worth noting that oak-leaved hydrangeas are more tolerant of salt spray than other types, so that's a plus!

    Hope this helps, and happy gardening! :smiley:

  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    That's very helpful @doraTNoMW3ep, thanks.  Will have a good look at the ones you mention.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I've got the plain old standard ones. 2 of them. They're fabulous shrubs. Wind is no problem for them, and they can take more sun than the usual ones. 
    The flowers stay white, they don't get any tinges of other colours regardless of soil pH, but it's the autumn colour they have that's the real bonus. 
    I can't access my photos on this new laptop yet, but I'll fire up the old one and find a couple if you want.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    Thank you @Fairygirl, I would love to see some pics. Looking forward to giving one (or two) a try :)
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited April 2023
    Bluejayway said:
     I would love to see some pics. Looking forward to giving one (or two) a try :)
    In my opinion Hydrangea quercifolia are far nicer than several other sp.
    This is |Hydrangea quercifolia Pee Wee.
    This is Hydrangea quercifolia Ice Crystal.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited April 2023
    See above.
    This is Snowflake..with double flowers
    =================================================
    This is Snow Queen.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    @Silver surfer thanks for the photos :)   It looks like there are many advantages to oak-leaved and I'm definitely going to have a go.  Noticed one on the Crocus site called (I think) Ruby Slippers and that has sparked an interest.
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited April 2023
    Broadband so slow pics won't load.

    This is more of Snow Queen.


    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    @Silver surfer I had never really thought about the autumn colour but it looks fab!
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    I've got one of unknown variety that I planted last year. I was really impressed with the autumn colour, it was a vibrant red, and the real plus is that it held all the leaves in that autumn colour until about a week ago when the new growth pushed them off. I don't know if this is unusual, as they are described as deciduous, but if it's normal it makes them pretty special for year round interest.  
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