How big does Oakleaf hydrangea grow?

About 1.5 m × 1.8 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 1.2–2.4 m × 1.2–3 m.

What soil does Oakleaf hydrangea grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, sandy, clay.

Is Oakleaf hydrangea hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Oakleaf hydrangea toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Oakleaf hydrangea be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Oakleaf hydrangea flower?

Flowering: June–August, white, pink.

How much water does Oakleaf hydrangea need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Oakleaf hydrangea cost?

It sells for roughly €7.90 to €30 in local shops, depending on size.

Oakleaf hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a shrub that reaches 1.5 m × 1.8 m after ten years. Light: part shade, full sun, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €7.90.

Illustration of Oakleaf hydrangea — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A shrub for all four seasons: big cone-shaped white flower heads in summer that slowly turn pink, large oak-like leaves that colour burgundy and bronze-red in autumn, and peeling cinnamon-brown bark in winter. It is happiest in part shade in humus-rich, evenly moist soil; plant it in sun only if you can water regularly. It flowers on last year's wood, so prune right after flowering at most, and expect it to grow slowly and widen over time by suckers.

Watch out for

No serious pests or diseases; leaf spot, powdery mildew, aphids or spider mites show up occasionally. The flower buds overwinter on last year's stems: in windy winters colder than about -23 °C the buds and stems can be killed back, and the plant then flowers poorly or not at all that year. Young plants are worth protecting with mulch for the first few winters. On limy soil and with hard irrigation water the leaves may yellow, although it is less fussy about lime than bigleaf hydrangea.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Full sun, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.8 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, white, pink

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade, Full sun, Shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.8 m
Ultimate size	1.2–2.4 m × 1.2–3 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Sandy, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–August, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €7.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-40 cm	approx. €10
20-50 cm	approx. €14
30+ cm	approx. €16
60-70 cm	approx. €14
size not stated	approx. €7.90 – €30

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for shade Shrubs for part shade Low-maintenance shrubs Flowering shrubs Low shrubs Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour

Looks good next to it

Heartleaf bergenia

Bergenia cordifolia

Persian ivy

Hedera colchica

Heather

Calluna vulgaris