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photo of Douglas and Brenda Hill

Meet the Breeder

Douglas and Brenda Hill
Cleveland, AL, USA

GATSBY STAR®

Hydrangea - Oakleaf

Hydrangea quercifolia

'Doughill'

PP#25,412; CBR#5305

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An inflorescence of Gatsby Star oakleaf hydrangea with its stacked double florets clearly visible "} Detail of white and green tower like double florets of Gatsby Star oakleaf hydrangea A specimen of Gatsby Star oakleaf hydrangea in the landscape just about to bloom Fall color on Gatsby Star oakleaf hydrangea is red and burgundy in color
  • Native to North America
  • Unique flowers
  • Shade tolerant
Description

Doubled florets. Gatsby Star® hydrangea has true star power! Doubled blooms are similar to those of 'Snowflake', but the individual petals are pointed instead of rounded. The result is a beautiful, lacy panicle - and a very showy plant. It's a fun way to add some unexpected drama to woodland gardens.

USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
6 - 8'
Width
6 - 8'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
4", Quick Turn

Soil

Best in moist, well-drained soil, but quite adaptable to any site except excessively wet ones.

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 to develop a more striking habit.

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.

  • Grower Sheet: Gatsby Star® Hydrangea Grower Sheet
  • Benchcard: Gatsby Star® Hydrangea Benchcard
  • Tag: Gatsby Star® Hydrangea Tag
  • Spec Sheet: Gatsby Oakleaf Hydrangea Series Spec Sheet
  • Booklet/Brochure: A New Vision for Native Shrubs

    • Features: Fall interest, Native, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Heat tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Oakleaf, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Fall interest, Native, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Heat tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Oakleaf, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage