You generally don't need to prune this hydrangea, but in case you still want to do some selective pruning, there's a great resource available on the Proven Winners® website about when, and how, to prune hydrangeas. Check it out here. You can read the article online or download a printable PDF.
Enjoy! - Natalie
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| Gatsby Gal hydrangea |
Great Gatsby!
I love oakleaf hydrangeas.
Sure, they have nice flowers like other hydrangeas do. But for me the real show is the foliage. And this isn't just "Oh, isn't that pretty" foliage.
No, Hydrangea quercifolia leaves are more substantial stuff. They're kind of like those really awesome boots that you know you want to buy. They aren't fancy delicate party shoes, but you know they're going to look great. You'll get plenty of compliments on them, too. Did I mention that they're more comfortable than those sparkly high heels?
Oakleaf hydrangea foliage has the same ruggedly handsome look as a great pair of boots, and just like a pair of boots is best appreciated in the fall.
Gatsby Gal® H. quercifolia is a compact (5-6') selection that's a good choice for smaller gardens.
I love oakleaf hydrangeas.
Sure, they have nice flowers like other hydrangeas do. But for me the real show is the foliage. And this isn't just "Oh, isn't that pretty" foliage.
No, Hydrangea quercifolia leaves are more substantial stuff. They're kind of like those really awesome boots that you know you want to buy. They aren't fancy delicate party shoes, but you know they're going to look great. You'll get plenty of compliments on them, too. Did I mention that they're more comfortable than those sparkly high heels?Oakleaf hydrangea foliage has the same ruggedly handsome look as a great pair of boots, and just like a pair of boots is best appreciated in the fall.
Compact doesn't mean dwarf; be sure that any H. quercifolia has enough room or you won't be able to really appreciate it. I think that oakleaf hydrangeas are at their best when they are left to develop the interesting architecture that is needed to show off those large flowers and substantial foliage. Please, please don't try and prune it into a meatball. I've seen it done, and it wasn't pretty.
Like other H. quercifolia, it will grow in full sun or partial shade and is hardy to USDA Zone 5. It flowers on old wood, so be careful not to prune those flower buds off this fall. The blooms are not affected by soil pH, but will transition from white to pink during the growing season.
Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles.
Want to absorb a little extra content about Gatsby Gal® hydrangeas? Check out this video from Laura at Garden Answer - she plants some and you can really see how nice they look from container to ground.
Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles.
Want to absorb a little extra content about Gatsby Gal® hydrangeas? Check out this video from Laura at Garden Answer - she plants some and you can really see how nice they look from container to ground.
