Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangeas typically grow to a maximum size of 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. However, they may be pruned and shaped to remain shorter. They bloom from mid-summer to early fall and prefer moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.
0-6. 5. When properly cared for and maintained, Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangeas will live for several years, gradually increasing in size with each passing season.
What is the smallest oak leaf hydrangea?
The smallest oak leaf hydrangea, Panicum acuminatum, is a plant with many benefits. This low-maintenance plant is native to the United States and is drought-tolerant, as well as attractive to wildlife with its white flowers in the summer months.
It forms a large, mounded shape, topped with showy dense panicles of white, star-like flowers from July to September. Its lovely, deep-green foliage turns a unique orange hue in the fall, and exfoliating bark adds winter interest.
The leaves of Panicum acuminatum, however, are the real showstoppers, as they have a distinctly oak leaf shape and measure 3-5 inches across. This shrub works well as an ornamental when planted in groups or used as an accent in any landscape, as it is slow growing and only reaches a height of 1-2 feet.
Can you keep oakleaf hydrangea small?
Yes, oakleaf hydrangeas can be kept small with pruning. Pruning is the most reliable way to retain their small size, as well as to keep the plant looking its best. Regular, timely pruning will help the plant retain its size and shape, and will also ensure a better display of flowers each year.
It is important to be diligent with pruning, especially with young plants or when you want to shape them. Have a plan for what size you want the plant to stay. This will help you determine how much to prune and when.
Typically, the plant should be pruned twice a year—once in late winter and then again in late spring or early summer. If the plant is overgrown, it can also be pruned more drastically, which will reduce its size and create a more appealing shape.
Also, fertilizing the hydrangea a few times a year will encourage healthy growth, which will also aid in keeping it small.
How do you reduce the size of an oakleaf hydrangea?
An oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) can be reduced in size by pruning and can be done at any point during the growing season. Before pruning, it is important to assess the size and shape of the shrub, as well as deciding which branches need to be removed to reduce its size and maintain an attractive shape.
The best time to prune oakleaf hydrangeas is during late winter or early spring, prior to the shrubs leafing out.
Start by removing old, dead, diseased or broken branches and thin out the shrub to increase air circulation. If necessary, selectively prune and reduce the size of the branches, cutting them back to the desired length.
Make sure to always prune flush with the branch and at a slight angle, as this encourages healthy new growth. Avoid pruning any more than the one-third of the shrub at any time; this should allow enough time for the shrub to recover and fill in with lush new foliage.
Additionally, designating an upper and lower leaf line, or foliage line, within the shrub can help reduce its size while still allowing it to remain attractive. To create a foliage line, remove any branch tips that extend beyond the defined space and remove any weak, dead or diseased branches as you go.
It is also important to keep oakleaf hydrangeas watered, fed and mulched. Watering regularly and deeply during the growing season and applying a slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth and reduce the need for pruning.
Mulching with compost or pine needles can help insulate the roots from extreme temperatures and reduce evaporation.
Which hydrangea has small leaves?
The Hydrangea quercifolia, sometimes called the Oakleaf Hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub with small, pointed leaves. It can grow up to 6-8ft in height and 4-5ft in width, with small leaves that range from 1-3 inches in size.
The leaves change color throughout the growing season; they are a bright greenish-grey in early summer, turn deep red in fall, and bronze in winter. Clusters of white flowers bloom in late spring or early summer.
This shrub is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, preferring moist well-drained soil, and partial sun to full shade. It does best in an area that does not experience frequent frosts, and does not do well in very wet or dry soils.
The Hydrangea quercifolia is a beautiful choice for ornamental gardens, and makes a stunning addition to landscaping.
How much space does an oak leaf hydrangea need?
An oak leaf hydrangea typically needs about 4 feet of space for the shrub to be able to spread and grow properly. Ideally, the shrub should have plenty of sun and access to water. The oak leaf hydrangea has a moderate growth rate, meaning it will continue to expand and fill out with age.
Over time, mature plants can reach up to 5-6 feet in height and width. When planting, be sure to leave enough room between the shrub and surrounding landscapes in order to give the oak leaf hydrangea plenty of space for its roots to branch out.
Regular pruning is advisable in order to maintain the desired shape and size of the shrub.
Should you cut back oakleaf hydrangea?
Yes, cutting back oakleaf hydrangea is an important part of its overall care and maintenance. Young plants should be pruned after they bloom to keep the plants from becoming too tall and unmanageable.
Established plants should be pruned in late winter to early springtime. The sides of the shrub should be thinned to reduce over-crowding and dead, weak, or damaged stems should be removed. Cutting the top of the shrub to reduce its size should also be done for general maintenance.
Late summer is also a good time to trim oakleaf hydrangea and give it a more natural shape. If blooms are desired, it is important to remember that pruning too heavily may decrease the amount of flowering.
Cutting back oakleaf hydrangea should be done with sharp, clean tools, and the dead wood and woody cuttings should be removed and composted.
Which hydrangeas should not be cut back?
Most hydrangeas do not need to be cut back, however, there are some varieties of hydrangeas that should not be cut back at all. These include oakleaf hydrangeas, smooth hydrangeas, and panicle hydrangeas.
Oakleaf hydrangeas should always remain uncut, as any pruning or trimming may damage the attractive leaf shape and unique colorful blooms. Smooth hydrangeas should not be cut back because the flowers form on old wood, meaning that cutting them will cause them to bloom less.
Additionally, panicle hydrangeas should not be cut back because they bloom on second year wood and will not produce any flowers unless left uncut.
Do oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old or new wood?
Oakleaf Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that produce large showy flower clusters in late spring to early summer. They typically bloom on new growth, so the more new growth that has been produced, the larger the flowers.
Flowering typically begins in late May, with some varieties beginning earlier in the spring. The flowers are borne on large, broadly conic terminal panicles. They can range from 6 to 18 inches long, providing a stunning display for several weeks.
Deadheading spent blooms during the peak blooming time will encourage continued production of buds and flowers. Pruning should be done just after blooming if needed, as it will remove flower buds and reduce the amount of the next season’s bloom.
Winter pruning is discouraged as it removes the flower buds for the coming season. However, any pruning can be done earlier in the spring if desired before flowering begins. In general, Oakleaf Hydrangeas flower on new growth and will benefit from light pruning after blooming in order to produce larger blooms in the following years.