PlantFiles: Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee'

Had this plant for about six years or so. I was concerned last Fall when I removed a tree and they were suddenly in full sun. My fears turned out to be completely unfounded. They have thrived this year and are now about 4 1/2 - 5 ft tall and somewhat wider. They are in a well-drained site and received average water this year at best.

New foliage is very pretty (see my PF photo) and the Fall color ranges from a beep bronze to bright red, often with leaves on the same plant showing the range.

The long-lasting white panicles turn blush as the temps get cooler.

The winter form is very nice with the horizontal branching and some exfoliating bark. A real winner.

In "Hydrangeas for American Gardens," by Michael A. Dirr (2004), it says that this is a compact shrub, 2' to 3' tall and wide with leaves and flowers more refined. Possible that this plant could grow to 3.5' to 4.5' tall and 6' wide.

Flowers are 4" to 5" long, somewhat broad-pyramidal, almost appearing 4-sided. Sepals are delicate, small, abundant, and almost hide the fertile flowers. Rose to red-purple fall color. Can suffer tip dieback in far northern gardens (Maine) during harsh winters.