Hydrangea quercifolia 'BURGUNDY' oak-leaved hydrangea

Burgundy is an attractive oak-leaved hydrangea which distinguishes itself from the species and most other varieties by the deep burgundy red colour of autumn foliage. As a bonus the leaves are more oak-like, with rounded lobes, and are a bit longer and tougher. They are fresh green as they emerge, and turn only a tone deeper to grass green in summer. New twigs are golden yellow, slightly hairy.

In late June medium-sized panicles composed of creamy white flowers appear and continue blooming for 6-8 weeks. After that they do not usually fade out but take on pink shades which develop into slightly deeper purple red shades towards the autumn. Burgundy hydrangea grows more slowly than the species, making a dense shrub with good branching. It keeps a compact shape without pruning. Still, if you need to prune or shape the plant do so immediately after flowering because it flowers on last year’s wood.

Oak-leaved hydrangea comes from moist and sometimes partly wet sites along river banks and streams, therefore it will need 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 hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update: 22-02-2012