Native hydrangeas for the southern landscape

What is that showy white shrub brightening the landscape in May and June? The dazzling panicle blooms of the Oakleaf Hydrangea can brighten even the shadiest garden corner while adding native beauty to the landscape.

Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea Quercifolia, is one of three native hydrangeas in the southeastern U.S.. This hydrangea variety native to our area and tough enough to tolerate the heat and humidity of our southern summers.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas get their name from their distinctive leaves, which resemble those of an oak tree. These hydrangeas thrive in woodland settings where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade. They prefer well-drained soil, and a layer of mulch during the summer helps retain moisture and keep roots cool. While they have few pest issues, deer may browse the tender new leaves and flower buds in spring. Oakleaf Hydrangeas make a stunning statement in mass plantings but are equally beautiful as a single specimen brightening a shady corner of the landscape.

The Oakleaf Hydrangea attracts many pollinators, including butterflies, moths, several native bees and wasps. Songbirds also eat the seeds. It is a host plant for the Hydrangea Sphinx Moth and the Hydrangea Leaftier Moth, whose larvae feed on the leaves.

If you are planting one, keep the mature size in mind when deciding where to place it. They can grow 6-8 feet tall and wide, so select the planting site accordingly. Dig a hole twice as wide, but no deeper than the root ball. Do not plant it deeper than the surrounding soil.

The beautiful, long white blooms begin in late spring (April- May) and will last for weeks. In autumn, the foliage transforms into striking shades of red and orange, giving Oakleaf Hydrangeas seasonal interest and a unique advantage over many other hydrangea varieties. Even in winter, the exfoliating bark adds interest to the landscape. The dried blooms can remain on the plant well into the season, adding continued beauty to the landscape. However, if pruning is needed, it should be done immediately after flowering. Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom on old wood, meaning they begin forming next year’s flower buds in late summer.

‘Snowflake’ and ‘Snow Queen’ are two popular Oakleaf Hydrangea varieties, though several compact cultivars are also available for gardeners working with smaller spaces.

Other native hydrangeas

There are two other species of hydrangeas native to the southeast: the Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and the Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea barbara).

Smooth Hydrangea grows well in full or partial sun and is quite cold hardy. It typically reaches 3-5 feet tall and wide. The flowers are large, white ball-shaped blooms and can sometimes droop after heavy rain. Because it blooms on new wood, it can be pruned in late winter. The stems may become weak once the flowers appear, so they may need staking or other support. Smooth Hydrangea is generally resistant to deer, rabbits and salt. It is also a host plant for the Hydrangea Sphinx Moth, and its blooms attract a variety of pollinators.

Climbing Hydrangea grows well in partial shade but requires more sun for the best flowering. It readily climbs fences, trees and trellises. Its fragrant blooms appear on new wood and attract a variety of pollinators. Climbing Hydrangea is also considered more resistant to deer than many other hydrangea species.

Consider adding these native hydrangeas to your landscape! 

Grace Krauss is a master gardener with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service in Bibb County. The county office provides resources for gardeners as well as educational services and community support. Visit their office at 715 Oglethorpe Street, call them at 748-310-5350 or email their staff at bibb.extension@uga.edu.