By Gzen92 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54268842
Scientific Name:
Hydrangea macrophylla
Common Names:
Bigleaf hydrangea, French hydrangea, Mophead
Lighting Requirements:
Partial shade to full sun (they appreciate a break from the intense afternoon sun in Central Texas)
Height:
3-6 feet
Width:
3-6 feet
Seasonal Interest:
Blooms in summer; foliage color in fall
Winter Look:
Bare stems, sometimes holds dried blooms
Drought Tolerance:
Low to moderate
Deer Resistance:
Low
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies
Hardiness Zones:
Zones 5-9
Soil Requirements:
Moist, well-drained soil
pH Range:
*5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)
Native To:
Japan, Korea, China
Potential Disease Issues:
Powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot
Notes:
Colors can change based on soil pH; Pruning can affect blooming.
These Hydrangeas generally do not perform well with pH above 7. They develop Iron deficiencies that are very difficult to stay on top of.
Scientific Name:
Hydrangea quercifolia
Common Names:
Oakleaf hydrangea
Lighting Requirements:
Partial sun (morning sun is best)
Height:
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Width:
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Seasonal Interest:
Blooms in early summer; stunning fall foliage in shades of red, orange, and purple
Winter Look:
Peeling, cinnamon-colored bark; bare branches
Drought Tolerance:
Moderate
Deer Resistance:
Moderate
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies
Hardiness Zones:
Zones 5-9
Soil Requirements:
Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and sandy soils
pH Range:
5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)
Native To:
Southeastern United States
Potential Disease Issues:
Leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot
Notes:
Distinctive oak-shaped leaves.
These Hydrangeas do better than the traditional ones when dealing with a higher pH, but it can still be challenging to keep them perfectly happy in less-than-ideal soil conditions.