oakleaf hydrangea

For oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Sike's Dwarf'), water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on season and location, this could be anywhere from once a week to once every other week. Start by watering deeply once a week, and check the soil each day to make sure it is damp but not soggy. If it feels dry, give the plant a good deep watering. In times of hot or dry weather, an extra thorough soaking may be needed. Making sure that the root zone is never allowed to become overly dry is key to keeping your oakleaf hydrangea healthy.

Oakleaf hydrangea requires full-sun to partial-shade and at least 4 hours of direct-sun per day. Partial-shade is needed to avoid foliage burn during the warmer months of the year. If grown in full-sun, it will need more frequent irrigation and even more attention to soil fertility. It is best to avoid afternoon sun as this will cause the foliage to wilt and lose its color. High indirect light is also beneficial, as this will work in combination with the direct sunlight to encourage flowering and the deep burgundy fall foliage.

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Sike's Dwarf') should not be pruned too often or aggressively. Pruning should occur just after the flowering season, typically in late spring or early summer. Pruning should involve removal of dead and diseased branches, as well as removal of any crossing branches or those that are growing in the wrong direction. Additionally, the plant can be lightly sheared to keep it compact, since this particular variety stays relatively small compared to other hydrangeas. Pruning too much or too aggressively risks stunting the plant or removing too many flower buds.