Hydrangea quercifolia Snow Queen

The Snow Queen variety of the Hydrangea quercifolia is a type of oakleaf hydrangea that blooms with dense clusters of single flowers in the middle of summer, ranging in colour from anise white to white and then deep pink over several weeks. Its large and beautifully shaped leaves turn into stunning colours during autumn. This compact selection has strong stems that are more resistant to wind and rain. Quercifolia hydrangeas are not picky about soil and humidity, and they thrive in sun or partial shade in most deep soils while tolerating heat well.

The Hydrangea quercifolia belongs to the Hydrangea family and is primarily native to the southwest United States, particularly the Mississippi Valley. It is a large deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4 m (13 ft) in height in its natural habitat and can spread through suckers to a width of up to 3.50 m (11 ft 6 in). The shrub is known for its large lobed leaves that resemble oak leaves. It is highly admired for its stunning autumn colours and large upright white panicles of small powdery fertile flowers surrounded by larger sterile ones. As a garden plant, it is one of the easiest hydrangeas to grow since it is hardy beyond -20°C, can tolerate some limestone in the soil, and can handle heat and dry conditions in summer due to its deep root system.

The Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen' is a cultivar that was selected by Bill Flemer in 1979. It differs from the species due to its more modest growth, stronger stems, and abundant flowering. The growth rate is moderate, reaching approximately 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in all directions by the age of 10 years. When fully mature, it can measure 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height and 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in width. One of its most significant advantages is its abundant and early flowering, which starts in July, making it one of the earliest hydrangeas to bloom. Its curved white panicles are pretty and measure 20-25 cm (7.9 - 9.8 in) in length with a hint of anise white. These panicles turn a pale pinkish-purple in autumn. The 'Snow Queen' foliage is deciduous, appearing in spring and falling around November. The buds and young leaves are covered in grey velvet, and the summer foliage is medium to dark green, consisting of large leaves divided into 5 deep lobes with roughly toothed edges. Towards the end of the season, the foliage takes on beautiful red and brown hues as the evenings cool down.

The hydrangea quercifolia Snow Queen thrives in sunny locations that enhance its autumn colours. However, it's best to provide dappled light through the foliage in hot climates. This plant is versatile and can be used in borders, as a standalone specimen in a small garden along a pathway or in a free-form hedge. It pairs well with other hydrangeas, Nandina, Mexican orange blossom, purple barberry, or even the deciduous winged spindle Euonymus alatus Compactus, which takes on sumptuous autumn colours. Its combination with amaranths (Amaranthus Velvet Curtains) and hastate vervains (Verbena hastata Rosea) is stunning.