Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Thursday - November 18, 2010
From: Attica, IN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Propagation, Shrubs
Title: Oakleaf hydrangea in Indiana
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
I was given a start of an oak leaf hydrangea by a generous friend from her garden. I have been searching for "what to expect" about this plant. I planted it last year and it grew..this year..but did not bloom. What can I expect from this plant as far as growth, when to expect blooms, what should I be doing? Thank you very much!!!ANSWER:
Your friend is generous indeed!
In general you can expect to be delighted by your new aquisition, but to be more precise, what to expect kind of depends on what you are starting with.
The description of Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf hydrangea) on our Native Plant Database describes it as:
A mound-shaped shrub, 3-12 ft. tall. Multiple stems are sparingly branched with picturesque canes. Older stems are exfoliating to reveal a rich, brown inner bark. The showy inflorescence of greenish flowers, turns white then purplish and persists on the bush until mid-winter. The foliage, shaped something like that of red oak, becomes colorful in fall.
You don't mention how large your "start" is or if it is single or multi-stemmed. If it is planted in the right conditions (and you say it did grow this year), it will probably flower once it reaches about 3 feet in size. The tone of colour it achieves in the fall will depend on how much sun it receives and whether or not it is the "straight" species or a cultivated variety. Generally, the sunnier the conditions the deeper and more intense the red/bronze fall colour.
You can see by the images below that there is a fair amount of variety in the size and shape of both the leaves and flowers. Your plant will resemble its parent, as it is a clone, but could seem different depending on the conditions in which it is planted.
More Shrubs Questions
Small evergreen shrubs for horse barn in North Carolina
September 26, 2009 - I want to plant some low growing evergreen shrubs in pots in my paddock around my barn. The horses can occasionally be in this are but not for an extended time. I am in NC. Any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Native shrubs for containers in Los Angeles, CA
September 23, 2010 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants -
We are looking for some non-vine potted plants to grow on our balcony for privacy in Los Angeles. The balcony receives partial direct sunlight & we would like the growth to...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting Evergreen Sumac
December 09, 2015 - I would like to transplant evergreen sumac from my back to the front yard. They are about 6-8 foot tall. I live in El Paso, TX and it gets plenty of sunlight. I am wondering 1) Is November in El Paso,...
view the full question and answer
Safe grazing for donkeys and goats from Osteen FL
June 30, 2012 - I am having a very difficult time trying to find shrubs, hedges, plants, flowers, or trees etc. that are safe for donkeys and goats. We live in Zone 9 and have a small farm. I've had to pull every ...
view the full question and answer
Hedge in Desert Full Sun
March 25, 2012 - We want a short hedge, 2-3 ft tall, small leaves that fill in to full looking hedge. It is in Phoenix Arizona area and gets full sun all afternoon
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |