Varieties of Oak Leaf Hydrangeas
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is regarded as one of the most handsome native plants to use in the United States, according to famed American plant expert Michael Dirr of the University of Georgia. Lobed green leaves that turn red and burgundy in autumn and pointy clusters of creamy white flowers in summer makes it an attractive shrub. Numerous varieties or cultivars exist, appropriate to grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9. Does this Spark an idea?
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Origins
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The oakleaf hydrangea grows naturally in the moist, acidic soils in open woodlands and forest edges of eight states in the American Southeast. It's found from Washington, D.C., south to Florida and west to Louisiana and Tennessee. In its wild form, this deciduous, woody-stemmed shrub attains an upright but rounded shape. Mature heights range from 4 to 6 feet tall, but occasionally up to 8 or 14 feet. Oakleaf hydrangea grows wider than tall.
Genetic Variations
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When humans select a plant for a specific characteristic or genetic trait, it becomes known as a variety or cultivar. To preserve the genes and physical quality of a specific oakleaf hydrangea, it is propagated only by asexual means, such as a stem or root cutting. Various ornamental features gave rise to numerous cultivars of oakleaf hydrangea. The distinguishing traits among them range from mature plant size, size and shape of flower clusters, number of flower petals and development of the most intense fall foliage color.
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Names
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Perhaps the easiest way to group oakleaf hydrangeas for quick comparison is by mature plant height. Several cultivars mature at or over 8 feet tall, such as Alice, Alison, Harmony, Semme's Beauty and Snowflake. Those that remain under 8 feet tall at maturity, often dubbed as more "dwarf" selections, include Little Honey, Vaughan's Lillie, Sikes's Dwarf, Pee Wee, Dayspring and Snow Queen. Little Honey stands apart from the others since its foliage is golden yellow to chartreuse rather than deep green.
Uses
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Taller growing selections of oakleaf hydrangea, with large flower clusters that sometimes cause branches to arch, are good for the back of mixed borders or as a buffer along the edge of woods. In smaller gardens or around building foundations, the smaller or dwarf varieties are more appropriate. The flower heads dry well and may be used in flower arrangements.
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