The Hydrangea quercifolia cultivar ‘Alice’ is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It is known for its distinctive, deeply lobed foliage that closely resembles oak leaves. ‘Alice’ produces showy, pyramidal clusters of white flowers, which can reach up to 14 inches in length during early to mid-summer. As the seasons progress, the dark green leaves transition into rich shades of deep red, burgundy, and purple, providing striking fall color. This resilient shrub is a popular choice in landscaping due to its robust nature.
Site Selection and Initial Planting
The location for an ‘Alice’ Oakleaf Hydrangea should balance sun exposure with protection from intense afternoon heat. While the shrub can tolerate full sun in cooler regions, it thrives best with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. Too much shade can lead to sparser blooms and diminish the intensity of the deep red fall foliage.
The soil must be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Oakleaf hydrangeas perform optimally in slightly acidic soil, ideally within a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. Amending the planting area with compost or aged manure improves soil structure and drainage, helping to prevent root rot.
When planting, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. This width provides loose soil that encourages the roots to spread outward. Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any tightly coiled roots before placement.
Position the shrub so the top of the root ball is level with, or slightly above, the existing soil grade. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, tamping lightly to eliminate air pockets. Watering the newly planted shrub thoroughly helps settle the soil around the root system.
Essential Ongoing Care
Once established, deep watering is necessary to maintain soil moisture. During the first year, water frequently to encourage a healthy, deep root system, especially during dry periods. Although established plants are moderately drought-tolerant, deep watering remains beneficial during extended dry spells.
A two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch helps regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture around the root zone. Apply shredded bark or compost, extending out to the drip line. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the main stem to allow for proper air circulation and prevent stem rot.
Oakleaf hydrangeas do not require heavy fertilization if the soil is rich in organic material. If the soil is poor or you desire a boost in growth and flowering, apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring. Use a formulation designed for flowering shrubs.
While the ‘Alice’ cultivar is resistant to many foliage diseases, occasional issues like powdery mildew, leaf spot, or pests such as aphids and spider mites can occur. Ensure adequate air circulation to deter fungal problems. Use a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap to manage minor pest infestations.
Pruning and Seasonal Management
The timing for pruning ‘Alice’ Oakleaf Hydrangea is dictated by its blooming habit, as the shrub flowers on old wood. Pruning must be done immediately after the flowers fade in mid-summer, typically from late June to mid-July. Cutting back the stems any later will remove the newly forming flower buds, resulting in few or no blooms the following year.
Pruning should focus on selective thinning and the removal of unproductive growth. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, which can be done at any time of year. To maintain shape and encourage new, vigorous canes, selectively cut the oldest, woodiest stems back to the ground.
When thinning the shrub, aim to remove no more than one-third of the total growth to avoid stressing the plant. If the shrub has grown too large, prune the stems back to a visible leaf node, which is the point where new growth will emerge. Avoid cutting into the very old, thick wood, as oakleaf hydrangeas do not always recover well from severe reduction pruning.
The spent blooms can be managed in one of two ways after they have turned pink and then beige. Deadheading the faded flowers in mid-summer will tidy the plant’s appearance. Many gardeners choose to leave the dried flower heads on the shrub, as they provide structural interest throughout the winter months and can offer some protection to the developing buds from harsh winter weather.
‘Alice’ is hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9. In the colder parts of this range, the flower buds can be susceptible to damage from extreme winter temperatures. For new or young shrubs, applying a thick layer of mulch around the base or loosely wrapping the plant with burlap can provide additional insulation. In the dormant season, the peeling, cinnamon-colored bark provides attractive texture against the winter landscape.