oakleaf hydrangea

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Munchkin') should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings. During extreme heat or periods of no rainfall, it may need to be watered every 5 days. Munchkin oakleaf hydrangeas do best when they are mulched with organic material to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. To check if the soil needs watering, insert your finger into the top 3 to 4 inches of soil - if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Oakleaf hydrangeas require full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. This plant prefers at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day in the summer but it should be protected from the hottest afternoon rays. In the spring, when the days are still short, the plant should get partial shade since it needs at least 4-6 hours of sunlight. Oakleaf hydrangeas should always get morning sunlight since it helps the flowers bloom better in the summer.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring, shortly before new growth starts. Pruning should be minimal because Hydrangeas of this variety bloom on old wood, so excessive pruning will reduce their flowering potential. To encourage bushier growth, pruning should focus on removing dead and diseased wood and thinning out interior branches in order to increase air flow. The goal is to keep the plant’s natural shape, while also promoting air circulation and removing dead wood. Prune no more than 1/3 of the existing growth.