Hydrangea Quercifolia

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Hydrangeaceae

Order

Cornales

Genus

Hydrangea

Species

quercifolia

Description

Shrubby plant with numerous branches and Inflorescences, very rustic with a need for organic, rather acidic soil. Scenic appearance due to the abundance of large flowers and long flowering time. Dark green, shiny Leafs provide a contrast and background to the flowering. Use singly and alone in the garden and in pots or in rows to form colourful patches and hedges as borders. Characteristic and distinctive leaf shape, hence the name.

curiosity and special features

The specific epithet ‘quercifolia’ is derived from the botanical genus Quercus and from ‘folium’ (meaning ‘leaf’), in reference to the leaf blades, which resemble those of oak trees.

In addition to H. quercifolia, the genus Hydrangea includes other species used for ornamental purposes, such as Hydrangea arborescens, Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata, Hydrangea petiolaris and Hydrangea serrata.

Origin and Diffusion

Species native to the area including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee; identified at the end of the 18th century by the American botanist and naturalist W. Bartram, it was introduced as an ornamental plant at the beginning of the 19th century in England and then in many areas of Europe with a mild climate.

Leaf

Leaf has a broad pinnate-lobed lamina , Lobata.

Leaf color

a solid colour, starting off light green and gradually darkening to take on shades of yellow-orange and purple during the autumn.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 1 and 2.5 metres, making it a medium-sized shrub.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous shrub.

Suggested planting locations

Widely versatile, due to the elegance of its flowering and foliage it is suitable as a shrub for borders, pots, planters, gardens and parks, large flower beds and roadside roundabouts, open fields, green roofs, outdoor ponds.

Stem/stem

It has a semi-woody stem with orange-ochre bark that tends to flake off and then regrow.

Flower

The flower is large and pom-pom-shaped, with a spherical, globular corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from early summer to late summer, with a flowering period of between 30 and 50 days.

Growth

Growth is global and proportionate.

Plant habit

The plant develops a bushy, spreading habit, which lends it further ornamental value.

branching

It develops an abundant branching system, resulting in a dense canopy.

pH

It requires a slightly acidic medium or soil with an optimal pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

soil preparation

Before transplanting, lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds, and apply a base dressing by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser for ornamental plants evenly into the soil. It is advisable to apply a summer mulch to retain soil moisture.

sun exposure

It requires a position in partial shade or dappled shade. Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. In summer,Hydrangea quercifolia prefersa shaded position to prevent it from drying out.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers a cool climate. The ideal temperature ranges from 0.0 to 30 °C.

Use

It is one of the species belonging to the botanical genus Hydrangea that is most highly prized for:

Ornamental use Outdoor ornamental use Outdoor landscape design Landscaping As cut flowers, as cut foliage

Hardiness

A plant of moderate hardiness.

Soil/medium

It requires soil rich in organic matter and well draining; the planting and rooting soil should be soft, organic and fertilised. Use a spring plant medium containing peat and perlite for cultivation in planters or tubs.

Maintenance

The fairly easy cultivation and the average level required for maintenance give the plant additional value for use.

cultivation tips

Some useful and specific cultivation guidelines:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day In summer, it prefers shaded positions to avoid drought stress and high afternoon temperatures Keep the growing medium consistently moist Prefers a cool climate Prune correctly

planting

An average planting density of 4 plants per square metre is recommended for flowerbeds. When planting, take care not to damage the roots and position the plant so that the root collar is just above the soil surface. Transplant young plants into potting compost or loose, light soil to encourage root development; firm the soil around the collar and water thoroughly without allowing water to pool.

pruning

Do not prune when the plant is young. For established specimens grown in the open ground, carry out formative pruning using secateurs with sharp, clean blades, making a clean cut to reduce the branches to approximately 40–50 cm above the ground, whilst leaving at least 3–4 buds; also trim back laterally if necessary to control the size.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation can be carried out by layering and cuttings.

potting

If grown in planters or pots, the soil must be renewed every two years or at least new soil and organic fertilisers must be added.

Irrigation

After repotting, water the plant without allowing water to pool. Thereafter, water regularly and evenly, even several times a week if the weather is very hot, to prevent the soil from drying out. In summer, water generously until the soil is thoroughly saturated, ensuring that water drains away completely and that there is no water pooling on the surface. It is advisable to water directly into the soil or growing medium, avoiding wetting the above-ground parts of the plant.

Fertilization

When preparing the soil preparation for transplanting, carry out basic fertilisation by evenly burying a balanced slow-release fertiliser for flowering ornamental plants. After proper planting, if grown in the garden, fertilise abundantly from spring until early summer with a complex, iron-rich fertiliser. If grown in a planter or pot, the soil must be renewed every two years or at least supplemented with new soil and organic fertiliser. Hydrangeas require a good dose of fertilising both when they are young and when they are mature; the continuous and regular flowering depends on the nutrients and minerals in the growth soil. Use fertilisers that also contain iron and magnesium to optimise flowering. In summer, reduce nitrogen (N) fertilisation and increase phosphorus and potassium (P,K).

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

advise 1

Hydrangeas require a good amount of fertiliser both when young and as mature plants. Continuous and regular flowering depends on the nutrients and minerals in the soil. Use fertilisers that also contain iron and magnesium to optimise flowering. In summer, reduce nitrogen (N) fertilisation and increase the levels of phosphorus and potassium (P, K). Also use humic acids, which promote the uptake of nutrients, prolong the flowering period and enhance colour intensity, as well as slightly acidifying potting composts.