Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'
Known as oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia is an upright, broad-rounded, suckering, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub growing 4-6 feet tall (less frequently up to 8 feet). It naturally occurs in many habitats, such as bluffs, moist woods, ravines, and stream banks from Georgia to Florida to Louisiana. In summer, the plant produces pyramidal panicles of white flowers on exfoliating branches with large, 3-7 lobed, dark green leaves.
Michael Dirr introduced 'Alice' to the market as part of the Georgia Plant Introduction Program. It is an upright, stoloniferous, deciduous shrub with a broadly rounded habit that typically grows 5-8' tall and as wide (less frequently to 12' tall in optimum growing conditions). It is most noted for its large, arching flower panicles (10-14" long), its usually disease-free foliage, and its superior fall color. Large pyramidal flower panicles feature mostly sterile white flowers in June, which bloom for 6-8 weeks, gradually fading to pink and brown by late summer. Distinctive, deeply-lobed, somewhat coarse, deep green, oak-like leaves (to 8" long) turn attractive shades of bronze, maroon, and purple in autumn. Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark that is attractive in winter.
They are quickly grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It thrives in moist soils and appreciates summer mulch, which helps retain soil moisture. Bloom occurs on old wood. Prune if needed immediately after flowering (little pruning is usually required). Winter-damaged stems may be pruned in early spring. Plants should be given a sheltered location and winter protection (e.g., mulch, burlap wrap) in USDA Zone 5, mainly when not fully established. Plants can lose significant numbers of flower buds or die to the ground in harsh winters (temperatures below -10 degrees F), thus impairing or destroying the bloom for the coming year.
