When to prune your oakleaf hydrangea

Question: Dear Master Gardeners, I have an oakleaf hydrangea; can you tell me when to prune it before it gets too big?

Answer: Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea Quercifolia) also called ‘Snow Queen’ is a shrub that grows in zones 5 to 9, the foliage on this beautiful shrub is in the shape of an oak tree leaf, hence the name. It does have flowers called panicles that appear in summer. The older the shrub the more the blossom will change from a creamy white to a rosy pink.

This shrub also puts on a beautiful display in the fall when the leaves turn to burgundy to bronze purple and red. These shrubs will set their buds on the previous year’s wood. So, refrain from pruning in the very early spring. Since you need to control the size of your shrub, wait till all the blooms have finished for the year, then prune back 1/3 of its size each year. If you prune back more than that, your plant will have less blooms. Thank you for your question!

Our Master Gardener association meeting for February was Mardi Gras themed and lots of fellowship and ideas over a Mardi Gras inspired meal. We also had Richard Curzon, of Tennessee Naturescapes out of Clinton to come and speak to us on Tennessee native and bog plants. If you are interested in learning more about them, we have their information pictured. Also, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who participated in our annual plant sale fundraiser, we sold 404 plants in total, which was an increase of 20 percent from last year! Thank you, Rhea County, and surrounding communities, for your continued support. Happy Gardening!

Send questions to rheacomg@gmail.com or write to us at Rhea County Extension Office, c/o Master Gardeners, 125 Court Street, Suite 3, Dayton, TN, 37321.