Common Name: Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea
Latin Name: Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'
Brand: None
Description:
‘Alice’ is a bold and reliable oakleaf hydrangea cultivar prized for its large, arching panicles of white flowers that fade to pink and brown, adding long-season interest from early summer into fall. Deep green, lobed foliage turns rich bronze, maroon, and purple in autumn, while mature stems exfoliate to reveal textured, tawny bark for winter appeal. This low-maintenance native shrub is ideal for naturalistic landscapes, woodland edges, and informal hedging.
Care Tips:
Prefers part shade to full sun, though partial shade in southern climates may preserve foliage quality. Grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Apply mulch in summer to retain soil moisture. Blooms on old wood, so prune right after flowering if needed. Provide winter protection in USDA Zone 5 during harsh winters.
Landscape Uses:
Shrub borders, woodland gardens, specimen planting, informal hedges, foundation plantings, four-season interest gardens
Mature Height: 5–8 ft (can reach 12 ft in optimal conditions)
Mature Width: 5–8 ft
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Cold Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 5–9
Habit: Upright, broad-rounded, suckering
Foliage: Deep green, deeply lobed, turns bronze, maroon, and purple in fall
Flower: Large (10–14") pyramidal panicles of white blooms fading to pink and brown
Soil pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0)
