HGTV Recommends Planting This Hydrangea For A Stunning Hedge

Hedges are a great plant to have in your yard for a variety of reasons. Firstly, their thick foliage can provide shade in hot full-sun areas and support wildlife with food and shelter. Hedges also add privacy, soften noisy roadways, and establish clear but friendly boundaries between neighboring houses. However, the typical evergreen shrubs like boxwood or holly hedge may not suit everyone's style, especially if you prefer a more natural, low-maintenance look or something that will change colors with the seasons.

According to HGTV, one of the best plants to grow for fall foliage is the stunning Oakleaf hydrangea. Named after its lobed oak-like leaves, the Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is native to the Southeastern areas of the United States, including Florida, Louisiana, and up to the Carolinas. This luscious shrub is a perfect choice for anyone seeking more fall colors in their garden, but it also makes a great hedge for adding privacy and boundary distinction to your yard. Here's what you need to know about growing and maintaining this beautiful native plant.

Perhaps the main reason why Oakleaf hydrangeas make good hedges is that they can grow quite large, reaching between 4 and 8 feet tall when mature and growing in a nicely rounded shape. For the best results, Oakleaf hydrangeas need moist and rich but well-draining soil, and they tend to prefer soil that is slightly acidic. This hardy hydrangea variety thrives in USDA zones 5 through 9, where it can enjoy cool winters and warm, humid summers. Full sun can be too strong for the Oakleaf hydrangea, so plant where it will receive dappled sunlight or shade in the afternoons. 

Planting the Oakleaf hydrangea as a hedge can make your yard look much more unique, as the plant will change color throughout the seasons and provide a more layered, textural appeal than your typical boxwood or holly. In late spring and early summer, cone-shaped blooms will emerge from the Oakleaf hydrangea. The bloom color will depend on the specific cultivar of Oakleaf hydrangea you choose. For example, the Queen of Hearts Oakleaf hydrangea has soft mauve flowers, while the Snow Queen Oakleaf hydrangea has white. Unlike broadleaf hydrangeas, acidic soil will never turn your Oakleaf hydrangeas blue. Hydrangeas are often viewed as a summer flower, but the Oakleaf hydrangea transitions glamorously into fall with its natural, warm-toned foliage. Even in winter, the Oakleaf hydrangea can have a charming full appearance when it catches snow on stems and dormant flowers.