Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Pee Wee' is a compact form of oakleaf hydrangea characterized by its showy, large leaves that resemble those of an oak tree, hence its common name. These leaves display a deep green color during the growing season and transform into vivid shades of red, bronze, and purple as the fall months approach, providing a striking display of autumn foliage. In addition to its attractive leaves, 'Pee Wee' boasts impressive cone-shaped flower clusters that start out a creamy white color in early summer. As the season progresses, these flowers can take on a pinkish hue, and eventually they may turn to a beige shade in the fall. The textured appearance of the blooms adds a unique dimension to the plant's visual allure. The plant's stems are sturdy, holding up the leaves and flower clusters, and they too become part of the visual interest in the fall and winter with their exfoliating bark, peeling back to reveal a rich, underlying texture. The overall form of 'Pee Wee' is rounded and bushy, with its attractive features making it a popular choice for gardeners who seek a shrub with multi-seasonal interest and a unique leaf form reminiscent of the grand oaks after which it is named.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae
Synonyms
Oakleaf Hydrangea, Pee Wee Oakleaf Hydrangea
Common names
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Oakleaf Hydrangea is known to have parts that contain toxic substances. While it is not considered highly toxic to humans, ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the leaves and buds, can lead to symptoms such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. These are compounds that can release cyanide in the body but typically in small quantities. It is important to avoid eating any part of the Oakleaf Hydrangea because of the potential for these unpleasant side effects.
To pets
The Oakleaf Hydrangea is also toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. The toxicity symptoms in pets might include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures could occur. It is wise to prevent pets from accessing or ingesting any part of the Oakleaf Hydrangea to avoid these health risks.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Southeastern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact Size: 'Pee Wee' is a dwarf variety of Oakleaf Hydrangea, making it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with white summer blooms, vibrant fall foliage, and peeling winter bark.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, requiring less frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during the flowering season.
- Native Plant: Being native to the United States, it supports local ecosystems and is often more adaptable to local conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Dried Flower Arrangements: Oakleaf hydrangea 'Pee Wee' can be dried and used in bouquets and wreaths for long-lasting indoor decorations due to its sturdy blooms and appealing autumn colors.
- Photography Prop: The distinct, large leaves and cone-shaped flower heads provide an excellent backdrop for garden photography and macro shots of insects and dew.
- Natural Dye: The blooms can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding soft shades of green, blue, or purple depending on the pH level during the dye process.
- Rain Garden Plant: This cultivar's tolerance for moist soil conditions makes it a good candidate for rain gardens, where they help with water runoff management.
- Decorative Bark Interest: As the oakleaf hydrangea matures, its bark peels back, creating an interesting texture for winter gardens when other plants have died back or are dormant.
- Children's Garden Teachings: The plant can be used to teach children about soil pH's influence on bloom color, as the flower color changes in response to the soil's acidity.
- Support for Beneficial Insects: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the dense foliage can offer shelter for them and other beneficial insects.
- Seasonal Marker: The distinct change in foliage color from green to red or bronze signals the onset of fall and can be used to teach or observe seasonal changes in gardens and nature.
- Accentuating Water Features: Planting oakleaf hydrangeas like 'Pee Wee' near ponds or streams can accentuate these water features with their lush foliage and reflective flowers.
- Culinary Presentation: Though the plant itself is not edible, its attractive leaves and flowers can be used as a garnish for plating dishes in high-end culinary presentations, as long as no pesticides have been used on the plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oakleaf Hydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oakleaf Hydrangea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Heartfelt Emotions: Hydrangeas often symbolize deep and heartfelt emotions, either of gratitude or apology. The abundant and showy flowers of the Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' make it particularly expressive of these emotions.
- Gratitude: Given as a gift, the Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' might symbolize thankfulness or appreciation, making it a suitable gift to express gratitude.
- Understanding: The diverse color range of hydrangea blooms, sometimes changing with the soil pH, has associated them with the concept of understanding and being understood, themes that can be linked to the 'Pee Wee's unique character.
- Vanity: In certain cultural contexts, hydrangeas can symbolize vanity or boastfulness due to their lavish and full flower heads. This meaning might be reflected in 'Pee Wee's lush flowers, albeit on a smaller scale than larger hydrangea varieties.
- Abundance: The 'Pee Wee', with its clusters of flowers even in a compact form, suggests abundance and prosperity, making it a symbol of plentifulness.
- Perseverance: As a hardy shrub that can adapt to various conditions, the Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' can also be seen as a symbol of perseverance through challenging circumstances.
- Frigidity: In some traditions, the hydrangea can represent frigidity and a lack of emotional depth. The 'Pee Wee', like its larger relatives, might carry this meaning in specific contexts.
WaterOakleaf hydrangea 'Pee Wee' prefers consistent moisture, but it must be well-drained to prevent root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per session for an established plant. During hot or dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated. Newly planted 'Pee Wee' hydrangeas may require more frequent watering, such as every few days, until they are well established. Always check the soil moisture by feeling it about an inch below the surface; if it's dry, it's time to water.
LightOakleaf hydrangea 'Pee Wee' thrives in partial shade, preferring a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in areas with intense afternoon sun, it's essential to provide shelter to prevent leaf scorch. The ideal location would offer bright, dappled sunlight throughout the day to achieve the best growth and bloom performance.
TemperatureOakleaf hydrangea 'Pee Wee' is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, tolerating a temperature range from about -20 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for 'Pee Wee' is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes robust growth and flowering. Protection from extreme winter cold and hot summer sun is beneficial to prevent damage to the plant.
PruningPrune Oakleaf hydrangea 'Pee Wee' immediately after flowering to shape the plant and encourage next year's blooms. This hydrangea blooms on old wood, so late winter or early spring pruning would remove the flower buds. Pruning can be done annually, but it's not strictly necessary every year unless the plant becomes too large for its space or to remove dead or damaged branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining yet holds some moisture. A recipe for the best soil mix could include organic compost, pine bark, and peat moss in equal parts, creating a rich, acidic environment. The ideal pH for Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' is between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth and vibrant foliage.
RepottingOakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' does not require frequent repotting and generally prefers to be left undisturbed. Repotting can be done every 3-5 years, or when the plant has outgrown its current container. It's best to repot in early spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingOakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ranging from 50% to 70%. To maintain these conditions, especially indoors, a humidifier or regular misting can be beneficial. However, ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' in bright indirect light, maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in morning sun, dappled shade; mulch root zone, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' is suitable for USDA zones 5-9.
Life cycleOakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' begins its life as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions, develops a root system and a shoot that grows towards the light. The seedling then matures into a vegetative plant with distinctive lobed, oak-like leaves, and transitions to the flowering stage, usually in early summer when it produces conical clusters of white flowers that can age to a pinkish hue. After pollination, these flowers develop into seed capsules, which upon maturity, release seeds to propagate the next generation. Throughout the growing season, the plant's foliage may turn vibrant colors ranging from red to purple before falling off as the plant enters dormancy in the autumn and winter months. The dormant period is crucial for conserving energy until environmental conditions are again favorable for the next cycle of growth in the spring. Over time, the shrub can form a thicker, woody structure and may require occasional pruning to maintain its 'Pee Wee' size and cultivate a fuller shape.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' is commonly propagated via stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the early to mid-summer when new growth is still green and flexible but beginning to mature. To propagate, select a healthy stem with several sets of leaves, and make a cutting approximately 5 to 6 inches (about 12.7 to 15.2 centimeters) long. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in indirect light until roots have developed, typically in a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
