
Description
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ is a stunning oakleaf hydrangea cultivar that delivers year‑round garden interest. In late spring through summer it offers large, upright conical clusters of pure white flowers that gradually blush pink as they age. Its dramatic, deeply lobed oak‑like foliage turns rich bronze, red, and purple in autumn. With a moderate, rounded habit, this deciduous shrub performs beautifully in partly shaded garden beds, woodland settings, or as a showpiece accent.
🌟 Features:
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Botanical Name: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’
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Flower Form & Colour: Dense, upright conical panicles of white flowers; ageing flowers develop a soft pink blush
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Foliage: Large, deeply lobed leaves resembling oak leaves; lush green in summer, transforming to vivid autumn colors (bronze, red, purple)
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Habit & Size: Deciduous, multi‑stemmed shrub; typically reaches ~2‑3 m in height and similar width; may be pruned down if needed
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Sun & Soil: Best in part shade; tolerates more sun than many hydrangeas in cooler climates. Prefers rich, moist, well‑drained soil.
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Flowering Time: Late spring through summer; blooms persist into autumn.
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Autumn Interest: Leaf colour transformation gives beautiful show; bark and structure add winter interest.
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Hardiness: Frost hardy; performs well in temperate climates. Care needed in very hot or very cold extremes.
🌿 Why You Should Buy It:
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Stunning visual impact across multiple seasons — blooms, foliage, autumn colours, and winter structure
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White flowers that age gracefully, adding dynamic beauty rather than fading awkwardly
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Bold, textured leaves that provide contrast and fullness in garden beds or containers
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Versatile shrub that works well as specimen, hedge, border filler, or under‑storey planting
🧼 Care Instructions:
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Planting: Choose a spot with part shade; morning sun is ideal, avoid harsh afternoon sun where scorching may occur
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Watering: Provide regular moisture, especially during establishment and dry periods; mulch helps retain root moisture
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Feeding: Apply a slow‑release fertiliser in early spring; organic compost improves soil structure and nutrients
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Pruning: Flowers form on old wood — prune immediately after flowering is over to avoid cutting off next season’s buds
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Winter Care: Mulch base in colder zones; protect from harsh winds; bark offers some winter interest
❓ FAQs:
Question | Answer |
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What is the botanical name and common name? | Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’, commonly called Oakleaf Hydrangea ‘Snow Queen’. |
When does it flower and how long? | Blooms from late spring through summer, with flowers fading into autumn. |
Will the flower colour stay white? | Flowers are initially pure white; they often develop a pinkish blush as they age. |
How large does it grow? | Typically about 2‑3 metres tall and wide, though growth can be managed by pruning. |
Does it need shade or sun? | Best in part shade; tolerates more sun in cooler climates, but needs protection from intense heat. |
How does the foliage perform in autumn? | Leaves turn shades of bronze, red, and purple, adding striking autumn colour. |