SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hydrangea quercifolia 'Queen of Hearts'

COMMON NAME: Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea

GARDEN SIZE: 5 to 6 feet tall by 8 to 9 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5 to 9

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade; prefers some afternoon shade here in Tennessee. Provide a sheltered site to protect flower buds from harsh winter winds.

WATER & SOIL: Thrives in organically rich, moist, well-drained soil. Prefers consistent moisture and benefits from summer mulch to retain soil moisture. Tolerates medium water levels but dislikes prolonged drought.

HABIT (FORM): Rounded, mounding shrub

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Large oak-like deep green leaves turning mahogany-red in fall; exfoliating bark adds winter interest

FLOWER COLOR: White aging to deep pink

FRAGRANCE: None

BLOOM FORM: Pyramidal; Conical 7–9 inches long clusters

BLOOM TIME: Summer

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to the southeastern United States (including Tennessee). Found naturally in bluffs, moist woods, ravines, and stream banks.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Feed in early spring with organic compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which may reduce flowering.

PRUNING: Blooms on old wood. Minimal pruning is required. Prune immediately after flowering if needed, and remove damaged or dead stems in early spring while hydrangea is still dormant.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Mildly toxic if ingested (contains cyanogenic glycosides)

USES: Specimen, hedge, mass planting, informal borders, foundation planting