Queen Of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea – 3 Gallon Pot

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Developed by the U.S. National Arboretum, ‘Queen of Hearts’ is a fantastic cross hybrid of Hydrangea q. ‘Snow Queen’, from where it gets its large flower clusters, and Hydrangea q. ‘Pee Wee’, from where it get’s its smaller size. In summer, this beauty features conical flower panicles to 9 inches long with flowers that open white but gradually turn to an attractive deep pink. Large, oak shaped medium green leaves turn attractive shades of mahogany-red in fall. The older stems exfoliate to reveal a rich, buckskin brown inner bark which provides interest in the winter garden. Both the flowers and foliage are long-lasting when cut and displayed in a vase. At 6 feet tall by 8 to 9 feet wide, Queen of Hearts makes for a bold and dramatic backdrop to spring and summer blooming perennial and annual flowers.

Growing in a mound 5 to 6 feet tall and 8 to 9 feet wide, Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea is ideal for use as an accent, in groupings or mass plantings, or as a natural hedge or background plant in landscape borders or home foundation plantings. This cultivar is also suitable for growing in large planters. Right at home in the partially shaded woodland border or cottage and cut flower gardens. Also a nice addition to white theme gardens and tropical-look gardens.

Suggested Spacing:  6 to 7 feet apart for hedge;  12 feet or more apart for space between plants

Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea is easy to grow and resistant to pests and diseases. It thrives in any location from full sun to deep shade in moist but well-drained soil of average fertility. In hotter climates of the South (USDA Zones 7-9) some afternoon shade is suggested.

Note:  Queen of Hearts Oakleaf Hydrangea is a Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf) species that produces its flowers from buds that formed on “old wood” (during the previous year). Oakleaf hydrangeas typically require little to no pruning. They are best left alone. That said they can be pruned to remove a stray branch or to reduce size.