Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake = 'Brido' (d)

Water

Oakleaf Hydrangea should be watered deeply, ensuring that the soil becomes thoroughly soaked. Typically, this means applying about 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session for small to medium-sized shrubs. The frequency of watering should be about once a week, although this may need to be increased to twice a week during periods of extreme heat or drought. It's important to avoid overwatering, so ensure the soil has good drainage and check the soil moisture before watering again. During the winter, watering can be reduced as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.

Light

Oakleaf Hydrangea thrives in partially shaded conditions, where it can receive some dappled sunlight. It performs best when given morning sun and afternoon shade, as this prevents the leaves from scorching during the hottest part of the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade or in full sun, as too little light can reduce flowering and too much can stress the plant.

Temperature

Oakleaf Hydrangea prefers temperate climates and is hardy in zones 5 through 9, tolerating temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for this hydrangea are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages healthy growth and flowering. However, it's resilient enough to withstand brief periods outside of these ranges without significant damage.

Pruning

Prune Oakleaf Hydrangea to maintain shape and encourage robust growth, focusing on removing dead wood and spent flower heads, as well as thinning out congested branches to improve air circulation. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering in late summer, as the plant sets bloom buds on old wood. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter, as this can remove next season's flower buds.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Oakleaf Hydrangea prefers well-draining, rich, and moist soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. An ideal soil mix can be created using equal parts of garden loam, peat moss, and well-rotted compost to provide adequate nutrients and moisture retention.

Repotting

Oakleaf Hydrangea usually does not need frequent repotting if planted in the ground. However, if it's grown in a container, repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot is recommended, in spring or fall.

Humidity & Misting

Oakleaf Hydrangea thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It can tolerate some variation in humidity but prefers consistent conditions similar to its native woodland habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant with enough light; keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Snowflake' (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Brido' (d)) begins with seed germination, occurring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are suitable, typically in spring through early summer. Following germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first leaves and roots, establishing the plant before entering a period of vegetative growth where it develops its characteristic deeply lobed oak-like leaves and sturdy stems. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, producing large, showy, white blooms that gradually age to pink and then brown, often attracting pollinators and providing visual interest. After pollination, if it occurs, seeds form and mature by late summer or early fall, completing the cycle. Over time, the plant will experience a dormancy stage during the colder months, shedding leaves and entering a period of rest before resuming growth in the spring. The plant can also spread through root sprouts and clonal colony expansion, with each individual potentially living for decades, going through these same cyclical stages annually.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Snowflake' is typically propagated during its dormant period, preferably early spring or late winter, but stem cuttings can also be taken in summer. The most popular method is propagating by semi-hardwood cuttings. To propagate by this method, a healthy, non-flowering stem is chosen, and a cutting 4 to 6 inches long with several leaves is taken. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a pot with well-draining soil, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated. It's important to provide warmth and high humidity, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or keeping it in a greenhouse. Roots usually develop in 6 to 8 weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.