Grow Gather Style Oakleaf Hydrangea

“The Amen of Nature is always a flower.”

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is showing off like crazy in The Garden City.

GROW

You have seen the Oakleaf hydrangea in bloom with her ivory panicles stretching out toward the sun. This lovely prefers more neglect than pampering so she is not a primadonna. She likes to stay on the dry side so planting her in a sandier area or a spot with well drained soil is best. She tolerates shade, too, so nice to have her brighten up a green only spot in the landscape. If you are planning to incorporate the Oakleaf hydrangea into your landscape, but need some inspiration, click here for some over the top design ideas from Deborah Silver.

GATHER

Gather Oakleaf hydrangea blooms just as you would most any flowers that you plan to style. Morning clipping when plant moisture is best or late evening when the temperature has dropped. Plunge the long stems into a bucket for immediate hydration after cutting, then take the stems inside so they can relax before you style them. According to Joe Lamp’l from Growing a Greener World, we may cut the stems long until around August then just short stems after that to avoid losing the next years new buds. I remove most of the large leaves before arranging because most of them droop and it’s best to leave the show to the ivory panicles. I also spritz the panicles with a bit of floral preservative for an encore in the vase!

STYLE 

Here is the fun part. I mean why spend money while these babies are blooming? I am everywhere cutting them for my clients–saving them big bucks! I could easily charge a few hundred dollars on an arrangement using these but when I see them in their landscape screaming at me begging to be snipped—

The only time when spots are good on a lady!!

Three lovely glass trumpet vases in varying heights provides interest at different levels.

Keep the water fresh for all of your flower arrangements. Just hold the vase over your sink, pour old water out,

then refill with fresh water. Snipping the end stems just a touch will open up the stem for easier water access by the stem.

The homeowner prefers clean, crisp and simple as reflected in her decor and her personal style.

This photo sent to me from my friend, Kris, after I posted a short video on Oakleaf hydrangeas a couple of years ago!

If you don’t have Oakleaf hydrangea in your landscape, you should find a friend who does. If you like to experiment with propagation, it is relatively easy to grow from your friend’s plant.

Otherwise, go buy yourself a plant and take care of it until it takes off!

Have fun with #growgatherstyle!