3 Must-Have Florida Hydrangea Plant Varieties
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H. quercifolia, known as oakleaf hydrangea, is a low-maintenance deciduous shrub for Florida. It is the representative of the native shrub hydrangea Florida. Its leaves are like oak tree leaves, showing thick pinnate lobes. In fall, the leaves turn to red, bronze, or purple.
The white flowers of the oakleaf hydrangea form cone-shaped flower clusters. These flowers will change from white to light pink or red as the seasons change.
Oakleaf hydrangea is a plant that can tolerate heat and cold. It can survive even when the temperature drops to -22 ℉ in winter. It can quickly grow throughout the summer if it gets enough water. Although it can grow in partial shade, the hydrangea growing is better with full sun.
1. Varieties
Although there are more than ten types of oak leaf hydrangea, my favorite varieties are 'Alice,' 'Snowflake' and 'Pee Wee.'
'Alice' is tall, while 'Pee Wee' is small. From spring to winter, they add rich layers to my backyard.
- Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Alice'
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'Alice' is a relatively tall native oakleaf hydrangea that likes the full sun. It can grow to 5-8 feet high and wide. It thrives in wet and well-drained soil. 'Alice' is ideal for hedges or garden backgrounds.
Every June, 'Alice' will produce white flowers; with time, these white flowers will turn pink. When the blooming period is over, I will prune it right away.
There are usually no severe pests or diseases affecting 'Alice.' However, aphids and spider mites may appear on the leaves, and leaf blight and powdery mildew may occur from time to time.
- Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Snowflake'
'Snowflake' won the Royal Horticulture Society's Award of Garden Merit. It prefers full sun and can reach a height and width of 4-6 feet in wet, well-drained soil. It's not as tall as ’Alice,' so using "snowflake" as a visual transition in the garden is a good choice.
Snowflake' is a double-flowered variety in the oakleaf hydrangea. With time, the white flowers will be slightly green, and when they are about to wither, they will turn red. I will take off these withered flower heads after the blooming period.
- Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee'
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'Pee Wee' is a delicate and small variety of oakleaf hydrangea that likes the morning sun and some afternoon shade. It can grow 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide in moister and well-drained soil. From summer to fall, its plain and elegant white flowers will turn pink, and its leaves will turn red. I usually plant 'Pee Wee' on the borders of the garden.
Like other oakleaf hydrangea varieties, I will prune 'Pee Wee' immediately after it blooms. I need to ensure it can bloom more flowers in the second year.
Similarly, 'Pee Wee' is a shrub with low maintenance costs and is less likely to get sick. In daily care, I only need to pay attention to whether there are aphids, spider mites, leaf blight, and powdery mildew.
2. Conclusion
Oakleaf hydrangea is very popular in Japan. There are a lot of oakleaf and mountain hydrangea in Meigetsu-in in Kamakura, Japan. When I lived in Japan, I would go there to watch hydrangea in mid-late June every year.
I now live in Central Florida, which is a beautiful place. I have planted oakleaf hydrangea, bigleaf hydrangea, and Nippon daisies. These plants keep me company and make me feel less lonely. I enjoy spending time with these plants, and it makes me happy to take care of them.
Bibliography:
- Sherwood, A., Clark, M.D. and Hokanson, S.C. (2022). Oakleaf Hydrangea ( Hydrangeaquercifolia Bartr.). In Horticultural Reviews, I. Warrington (Ed.). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119851981.ch1
- Sherwood, A., Alexander, L. W., Clark, M. D., Wu, X., & Hokanson, S. C. (2023). Precipitation, Temperature, and Population Structure Influence Genetic Diversity of Oakleaf Hydrangea Throughout Its Native Range. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 148(1), 29-41. Retrieved Feb 21, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05255-22
- Sherwood, A., Alexander, L. W., Clark, M. D., McNamara, S., & Hokanson, S. C. (2021). Horticultural Characterization of Wild Hydrangea quercifolia Seedlings Collected Throughout the Species Native Range. HortScience horts, 56(9), 1023-1033. Retrieved Feb 21, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15889-21
My name is Arthur Mo. I am a gardener who loves gardening so much. I graduated from Ocean University of China. After I returned to Japan, I began to learn how to cultivate hydrangeas and daisies. Mr. Mitsuhiro (my master) taught me to sow, cut, fertilize, and manage diseases and pests. For nine years, I have been sharpening my planting skills. In 2022, my family and I moved to Florida. The warm climate of Florida gives me the impulse to continue cultivating hydrangeas and daisies. I began my gardening trip in my backyard and unswervingly contributed my efforts to these plants. I love these plants deeply, and at the same time, I also thank my family, my master, and friends for their understanding and support.