A really cool form of Oak Leaf Hydrangea that I picked up in North Carolina. Full double thick, dense white flower spikes appear in place of the lacier form of the species. The dense cones of flowers appear on sturdy stems in late June and are effective until September. They are exceptionally showy as well as long lasting. Large, deciduous shrub for full sun to part shade in rich soil with consistent summer moisture. Very established plants can get by with less. Blooms on wood from the current season. If pruning is required do it in early spring. To 9′ x 9′ in 6 years. Fall color on the immense leaves is remarkable. For all the months of fall into mid-winter purple/red/orange tones wash over the whole plant. Leaves finally abandon the shrub in mid winter. Easy to grow wonderful multi-dimensional shrub that is cold hardy and durable. Give it room to spread, you won’t regret it. Yay ‘Turkey Heaven’. Limited supply. Native to the SE U.S.
Genus: Hydrangea
Hydrangea integrifolia
Very good evergreen climbing Hydrangea that is a tough and reliable vine for shady walls. Large slightly indented leaves are glossy green year round. Self clinging vine that will adhere to virtually any surface- not for the walls of houses or porches- better on fences, rock walls and even as a ground cover. In June large white buds explode into a doily of 6″ wide white flowers. Blooms 2-3 years after planting. To 15′ tall and as wide. Part shade to shade- regular water in full sun. Rich, well drained soil. Excellent cold hardiness to 0ºF. Gains speed as it ages. Avoid blasting hot locations. Woodlands are ideal.
Hydrangea seemanii
Evergreen climbing Hydrangea with handsome glossy leaves and in early summer on old wood huge white buds unfurl to wide lacy white flowers subtended by larger sterile bracts on the exterior of the flower. Moderately fast growing self clinging vine for part shade and rich moisture retentive soil. Scales walls, tree trunks to 20′ or more when it really gets going. Cold hardy to 0ºF briefly. Protect from hot afternoon sun- even a 1/2 hour of hot sun can result in burn on a hot wall. Best on an open north facing aspect- such as the north side of a house or fence. Very good appearance year round with glossy layered foliage. Give it a year to begin to cling. It will do it on its own. Regular summer water speeds growth and this is important for the first several years. Established plants can get by on less. Make certain that this self clinging vine is appropriate for the surface you want it to climb. This is a very permanent vine and not for wood house walls or even painted fences. Provide permanent strong support. Very long lived.
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Munchkin’
Fantastic smaller scale Oak Leaf Hydrangea that is also a very heavy bloomer with large cone shaped flowers that are up to a 1′ long and protrude in every direction. Densely branching plant to only 3′ x 3′ in 6 years. Flowers have a light fragrance. Large leaves take on pink to red tints in late autumn. Flowers too that remain age to rich pink. Full sun to part shade in rich, moisture retentive soil. Regular summer water. This extraordinary release from the National Arboretum allows this wonderful multidimensional shrub for smaller gardens. Somewhat brittle when young. Site accordingly. Limited quantities
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Sike’s Dwarf’
Useful smaller Oak Leaf Hydrangea that maxes out at 5′ x 5′ after 6 years. Large lobed leaves are medium green changing to maroon/red in fall and holding on to the foliage until mid-winter. Cones of true fuzzy cream flowers subtended by larger sterile white florets. Full sun to light shade in rich, well drained soil with regular summer irrigation. Blooms on wood from the current season, may be cut back hard in early spring to control the size. Very easy to grow, long lived shrub with many seasons of interest.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’
Excellent huge flowering Hydrangea that is the best selection of this species. Globular pure white flowerheads are up to 10″ wide. Upright growing shrub that blooms on NEW wood, which means it can be cut to the ground to resize in early spring. This will also increase the amount of blooming wood. To 5′ x 5′ in 5 years in part shade and rich, well composted soil with regular summer water. Flowers remain and fade to acid green for a continuing effect. Winter deciduous.