Make sure the roots of Hydrangea quercifolia are well-moistened by soaking them in a bucket of lukewarm water before planting. Prepare a suitable hole in moist, humus-rich soil. Plant the Hydrangea quercifolia at the appropriate depth - the top of the roots should be slightly below ground level. Fill the hole and press firmly down. Water immediately after planting.

Hydrangea quercifolia will also grow well in a large planter, but make sure there are holes in the base of the pot to allow for excess drainage.

A position in moist soil

Hydrangea quercifolia will thrive in fairly moist, humus-rich soil - improve poor soil with the addition of compost or well rotted manure.

A spot in the (part) shade is preferred. Full sun is fine as long as the soil stays moist. A nice moist planter is fine too but the water must be able to drain well - too much water and your hydrangea could die.

Water your Hydrangea quercifolia more often during dry periods as this plant doesn't tolerate dry soil.

For an extra rich bloom add fertilizer to the water once a month between March and July. In early spring the hydrangea will benefit from a mix of granulated cow manure.

Pruning Hydrangea

This hydrangea flowers on last year's wood. If pruned in spring, there will be no flowers that summer. Only prune if the plant threatens to grow too large for its position. In that case, rejuvenate your hydrangeas by cutting back to 1/3. This will encourage new growth. There will be less flowers for that year but the following year flowering will resume as normal.

Dead wood should be removed entirely. Faded flowers can be cut off end February, beginning of March but be careful to leave the topmost bud on the branch. New flowers lie lower than the old ones!

Suckers should be pulled off unless the plant has lots of room. Walling the plant in will prevent it becoming too wide.

Hydrangea quercifolia has fairly flat flower heads. This particular variety has gorgeous white plumes. The large, green leaves, resembling the oak leaf on this hydrangea quercifolia look wonderful too! The largest can be 20 cm long. Both flowers and leaves fade to enchanting shades in the autumn - the flowers to pinks and reds, the leaves to orange, purple and brown.

Conclusion? Hydrangea quercifolia is gorgeous almost all year long. An asset in any garden!