oakleaf hydrangea

Oakleaf Hydrangea needs to be watered regularly to ensure that the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. During the spring and summer months, water your plant deeply about once per week. In the winter, reduce watering to about every 3 weeks. Make sure to water the soil near the base of the plant, not just the leaves and stems. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base to help the soil hold moisture and reduce water loss.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas prefer to be grown in part shade, meaning 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight per day. Plant in an area that gets some morning sunlight but protects from the afternoon sun that can become intense and cause bleaching of the leaves. These plants will also benefit from afternoon shade to help protect the foliage from sunburn.

Pruning of Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee') should generally be done in late winter, when the plants are dormant. This species has a naturally attractive form and does not need overly pruning. The main objectives of light pruning are to remove dead or diseased branches. Light pruning can also be done to remove interior branches that are crowded or crossing stems to improve air circulation and light penetration. Cutting back some of the stems also helps to promote bushier growth. It should be noted that Oakleaf Hydrangeas form their flower buds during the late summer and early fall for the following season. Therefore, it is best to avoid pruning during the late summer and fall to ensure that you don't accidentally remove the flower buds.