Oakleaf hydrangea’s flaming fall hues
When it comes to a woody ornamental with regional roots that is not only dependable but dependably pretty, oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) gets high marks in my book. Native to the Southeast, it has been brought out of the woods to charm gardeners with visual grace, and, yes, even a tad of pizzazz.
Oakleaf hydrangea — so-called because its deeply lobed foliage has the look of large oak leaves — is a deciduous shrub that, depending on the cultivar, can top out at around 4 to 8 feet tall. It is a true hydrangea, but, unlike the blooms of common French hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) with their pink, purple, or blue hues, oakleaf blossoms shimmer in shades of elegant white accented by fading petals that tint to pleasing shades of pink, light green, or tan.
Being an indigenous pretty, oakleaf hydrangea is a tough plant that can be placed in almost any landscape scheme. However, it will be happier — aka perform better — in a well-draining area. Also, while this shrub does okay in the sun, being located in a spot that receives some shady relief from the scorch of high afternoon temperatures will prolong its flower show.
Pruning will, of course, keep an oakleaf within intended bounds. Since new blossoms originate on wood formed the previous growing season, the best time to clip or snip is when the flowers start to fade.
The bright spring of ‘Little Honey’
Now, about that pizzazz. In bloom, oakleaf hydrangea exhibits botanical elegance and refinement, but truth be told, it also has a sassy streak. As the fall season settles in, oakleaf goes out in a blaze of glory. Bronze, red, purple, burgundy — these are the dazzling colors that adorn the autumnal coats of various cultivars.
And while the foliage of most oakleaf hydrangea cultivars remains sedately green during the growing season, ‘Little Honey’ (a shorty at about 4 feet high and wide) is one selection that shows a sizzlin’ snazzy side in the spring. New leaves emerge a distinct yellow and then temper to handsome chartreuse before flaming out in shades of dynamic red during the fall.
I have seen ‘Little Honey,’ along with other cultivars such as the popular ‘Semmes Beauty,’ the aptly named ‘Snow Queen,’ and the shorty ‘Pee Wee,’ for sale at area big-box garden centers and independent nurseries. And although you might have to resort to extra efforts either locally or online, ‘Ruby Slippers,’ ‘Queen of Hearts,’ or ‘Munchkin’ are also worth the hunt because their older flowers turn a pronounced, conversation-starting pink.
Although it might seem counterproductive, being cruel to certain ornamental annuals after they have just settled into the garden is actually beneficial. Pinch back summertime bloomers such as petunias, cosmos, salvias, million bells, marigolds, and zinnias when they reach about 8 inches high by using your fingers to squeeze off the end tip of each limb. This will encourage branching, which leads to more flower power. Also doing this leaf nip to sun coleuses makes them bushier and increases their show of fancy foliage. Ditto for pinching back helpful herbs such as tarragon, sage, thyme, oregano, and basil.
To Do in the Garden
May
- Don’t think you have missed out on starting a spring veggie patch! Now is still a good time to plant lima beans, collard greens, green beans, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, watermelons, mustard greens, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, squash, and pumpkins.
- This month is the prime time to start planting gladioli. The best location for the corms of these pretties is in a well-draining, sunny site protected from the wind, as taller cultivars can be tipped over in stiff breezes. For better developed flower towers, mulch around the corms and water weekly after glad spikes start to pop out of the ground.
- If your lawnmower’s spark plug is over two years old, head off to the local friendly hardware store and buy a new one for easier starts this summer.
- 2026 Movers & Shakers
- Made for Shade
- Truman’s Smokehouse & Kitchen
- Garden Adventurer: Oakleaf Hydrangea: Graceful Pizzazz
- Recipes from Readers: Cake in a Cloud
- Liquid Assets: The Matador
- Erica Chats: Make the Most of the NC Summer
- Pay It Forward: South Wake Area Native Ecosystem Conservation
- Local Lit
- Small Business Spotlight: The Vintage Teapot
- Things to Do: May 2026
