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In a landscape filled with colorful flowering shrubs and evergreens, Gatsby Glow ball oakleaf hydrangea is covered in cone shaped white blooms.

In a greenhouse, a container of Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea and the variety called Pee Wee sit next to each other, showing the superior container presentation and neater habit of the Gatsby Glow Ball hydrangea on the left.

Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea in fall, with its oak shaped leaves all turned to shades of red and burgundy.

Multiple Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea flowerheads with bright green and white flowers.

Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea shrubs covered in white flowers in a landscape with evergreens.

Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea with flowers that have transformed from white to a cool, refreshing green tone.

A cone shaped oakleaf hydrangea flower above its characteristic oak-shaped foliage.

The large white conical flowers of Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea changing from white to green as they age.

Close up of Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea's dark red to maroon fall foliage.

Dense white lacecap flowers with small green buds on Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea.

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

GATSBY GLOW BALL™

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia

'NCHQ1'

PPAF; CBRAF

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Superior container presentation
Appealing dense habit
Native

Description

Smaller than 'Ruby Slippers', faster growing than 'Munchkin', and smaller and denser than 'Snow Queen', Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) opens up a wide range of landscape possibilities. Of course, it offers the same showy white flowers and outstanding fall color that make oakleaf hydrangeas so beloved, but what really sets this apart is its container presentation. A boon to growers and retailers, Gatsby Glow Ball oakleaf hydrangea looks tidy, rounded, and appealing, even in a container and on the shelf at retail.

We also love the crisp, clean white of the blooms which age to a refreshing glowing green color. You have to grow it and see it for yourself to truly appreciate what an improvement it is over other quercifolias. Another superb innovation from Dr. Tom Ranney of NCSU and his team.

USDA Zone: 5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure: Full sun, Part sun
Height: 3-4'
Width: 3-4'
Finish Time: 1 season
Type: Deciduous
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: White, Green
Foliage Color: Green
Liner Sizes: 2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

General Care

Soil

Best in moist, well-drained soil, but quite adaptable to any site that's not excessively or frequently wet and soggy.

Pruning

Oakleaf hydrangea blooms on old wood, so it is generally best to avoid any kind of regular pruning or trimming. May be pruned selectively as needed, if desired.

Uses

Mixed borders; woodland gardens; informal hedges and screens; foundation plantings.

Growing Tips

Oakleaf hydrangeas are perhaps the most shade-tolerant hydrangea, though blooming and fall color are best with at least some sun each day. They bloom on old wood and exhibit better bud hardiness than other old wood bloomers. These plants perform far better in the landscape than in the container/nursery environment, so don't be put off by a plant that looks less than enticing in its pot. It will redeem itself rapidly once planted in the ground.