Oakleaf hydrangea

Lighting conditions

Sun or partial shade.

Soil

Rich, cool and well drained.

Hardiness and protection

Barely hardy in our climate, choose a site sheltered from winter winds, where snow accumulates, but does not melt too quickly in the spring (east or north side of the foundation). Although the roots will survive in Zone 5, stems and flower buds are susceptible to frost (Zone 6), especially during a cold winter without snow. If there is a frost, new shoots will spring from the roots but they will not flower. In the fall, the stems must be protected under a thick layer of shredded-leaf mulch (30 cm). In spring, the mulch should remain in place until the end of the spring frosts. Small cultivars (‘Sike’s Dwarf’) are most likely to flower because they winter under the snow.