Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ is native to the Southeastern United States. It is part of the Hydrangeaceae family of plants. It is a deciduous shrub that grows from 1 to 3m or 3 to 9ft. It is also called the Oakleaf Hydrangea or Oak-leaved Hydrangea. ‘Alice‘ was introduced by Michael Dirr, horticulturist and an expert on woody plants. It has yellowish to dark green leaves on top and more silvery on the back. They have deeply-lobed and pointed leaves that turn to beautiful and bright shades of red and bronze in autumn.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ flowers are creamy-white turning pink as they get older. They appear in conical panicles in summer and they are sterile. It flowers on old wood. They grow well both in sun or partial shade, though the leaves can be larger in shade. Plant them in organically rich, moist but well-drained soil. Propagate by softwood cuttings.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ is low maintenance They are disease free but watch out for aphids, capsid bug, red spider meat and hydrangea scale. You can prune Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ after flowering. They do not respond well to frost.