Hydrangea quercifolia Snowcicle

The Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowcicle' is a stunning Oakleaf Hydrangea recently selected for its vigour, strong stems and impressive double flower panicles. Over time, the white flowering gradually takes on shades of olive green, cream, and reddish tones. It remains attractive until late summer, soon followed by the flaming foliage in autumn. This bush, full of qualities, is perfect in a large border or a free hedge. Like all Oakleaf Hydrangeas, it is not demanding regarding soil and climate. A must-see!

The Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowcicle' belongs to the hydrangea family, like all hydrangeas. The species, with single white flowers, is mainly native to the southwest United States, particularly the Mississippi Valley. This plant grows on cliffs, in moist woods, ravines, and along riverbanks from Georgia to Louisiana, passing through Florida. In the garden, it is one of the easiest hydrangeas to grow: it is hardy beyond -20°C (1°F), tolerates some limestone in the soil, light sun exposure, and can handle occasional dryness in deep soils during summer.

This 'Snowcicle' selection is a beautiful deciduous bush, standing on strong stems, reaching about 1.60 m (5ft) in all directions. It is characterised by large lobed leaves, which can resemble oak leaves. One of its major assets is its double flowering, composed of large panicles measuring up to 33 cm (13in) long. Each panicle is carried by a robust stem, preventing vegetation from collapsing. Flowering begins in June-July, depending on the climate, developing on old wood. It consists of semi-erect, pyramidal flower heads. Each flower head is composed of numerous double sterile flowers. These white flower heads gradually take on shades of olive green, cream, and reddish tones. The young spring and summer leaves are covered with a whitish down in spring. They unfold into large leaves measuring 12-14 cm (5-6in) long, divided into five deep lobes with coarsely toothed edges and dark green. They take on fantastic shades of orange, scarlet red, and then purplish crimson in late summer before falling in October. The bark of this variety peels over time, revealing a new and glossy cinnamon-coloured wood, which is decorative in winter.

The Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Snowcicle' thrives when planted in a slightly sunny exposure, which enhances its autumnal colours. The light filtered through the tree foliage suits it well, especially in hot climates. It is superb in the back of a border, as a standalone plant, in a free hedge, or even in a large shrub border. It can be associated with other hydrangeas (Hortensia 'Chocolate Ever Belles Hokomachoko', Hortensia paniculata 'Pink Diamond'), as well as with Nandina, Mexican orange, and Berberis thunbergii. It pairs beautifully with amaranths (Amaranthus Velvet Curtains) and hastate verbenas (Verbena hastata Rosea) in full sun.