Hydrangea quercifolia 'AMETHYST' oak-leaved hydrangea

Amethyst oak-leaved hydrangea was bred by a renowned botanist and hydrangea lover Michael Dirr. It makes very attractive, deeply lobed foliage with conspicuous tips. They are deciduous, rich green in spring and summer with some burgundy shades, turning striking wine red in early autumn. These eye-catching leaves are held well throughout almost the entire autumn season, falling down very late – among the last deciduous shrubs.

The inflorescence is large – up to 30 cm long, somewhat pendent on young plants but strong and upright on older and well-established shrubs. It predominantly consists of sterile flowers – those are the 4-petalled creamy white ones. They turn red quite quickly, without fading, about a month after opening, and last until early to mid autumn.

The shrub is constructed from strong, mainly upright branches with some exfoliating bark, and keeps a compact shape and bushy without pruning. Still, if you need to prune or shape the plant do so immediately after flowering because it flowers on previous year’s wood.

Oak-leaved hydrangea comes from moist and boggy sites along streams and river banks, therefore, it will require similar conditions in the garden. Grow it in constantly moist soil, in full sun or part shade, it can even take temporary waterlogging. It is not fussy about soil pH or quality – it will grow even in clay and compacted ground, but more slowly. It is fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update: 29-12-2013