Deciduous & Flowering Shrubs
Queen of Hearts oakleaf hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Queen of Hearts'
‘Queen of Hearts’ is a rounded oakleaf hydrangea with upright flower clusters that open creamy white and deepen to pink or rose. Its lobed leaves turn dark red-purple in autumn, giving this deciduous shrub interest beyond flowering. Plants generally reach about 5–6 feet tall and 7–9 feet wide, though a ten-year planting measured about 6.5 feet tall and 9 feet wide. Give it room as a specimen or informal hedge. In Southwest Washington, choose full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade where heat causes scorch, and keep its well-drained soil moist through dry periods.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- Generally about 5–6 feet
- Mature spread
- Generally about 7–9 feet
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
The rounded, spreading habit suits a specimen planting or informal hedge. Allow about 7–9 feet for its mature spread.
Where to plant
Choose full sun to partial shade. Provide afternoon shade where strong or reflected sun causes leaf scorch.
Through the seasons
Creamy white flower clusters stand upright, aging to pink or rose. In autumn, the lobed foliage takes on dark red-purple tones.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Oakleaf hydrangea can tolerate some summer heat and sun in Oregon gardens. Check soil moisture during Southwest Washington’s dry periods, especially in sunny sites.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in moist, well-drained soil. Water during dry periods to maintain soil moisture.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune only as needed just after flowering. This shrub blooms on older stems, so later pruning can remove the following season’s flower buds.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Failure to bloom
Few or no flowers after pruning.
Help your plant thrive
Preserve older stems and prune only as needed just after flowering.
Fungal leaf spots
Brown, black, or gray leaf spots; heavily affected leaves may yellow and fall.
Help your plant thrive
Avoid overhead watering, allow air circulation, and remove affected leaves and fallen debris.
Leaf scorch
Dry brown leaf tips, margins, or blotches, sometimes following wilting.
Help your plant thrive
Maintain soil moisture, mulch the root zone, and provide afternoon shade where sun is harsh.
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Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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