Understory Species

• In its natural setting, the oakleaf hydrangea grows as an understory species in partly shaded conditions. It develops beneath much larger plants, such as magnolia, beech, oak and hickory trees. It has the ability to escape cultivation and establish itself as a naturalized plant in the shady areas of your property.
  
  

Protection From Sun

• This species of hydrangea can grow in hot climates, but in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones such as zones 8 and 9, it will do best when it gets some shade. Locate the shrub someplace where it will get the majority of its sunshine in the morning hours, but receive shade in the afternoon when the scorching sun bears down. Keep it out of a full sun setting in such climates.
  
  

Uses

• Recommended uses of the oakleaf hydrangea include its being part of a woodland garden where it can grow in shady areas beneath taller plants. Its ability to thrive in the shade makes it suitable as a foundation plant, when the structure you plant it near blocks out the sunshine for most or part of the daylight hours. It is a fitting companion plant for azaleas, since azaleas do well in the shade. When the azaleas finish blooming, the oakleaf hydrangea starts to flower.
  
  

Features

• A place that gets total shade may make it difficult to see and appreciate the features of the oakleaf hydrangea. The shrub grows to about 8 feet tall, with its coarse, oaklike foliage making the plant interesting. Fall foliage is showy, turning shades of red and purple. The flowers are white, emerging in pyramid-shaped clusters. They slowly change to hues of pink and tan. The bark has ornamental flair as well, exfoliating to reveal a cinnamon-colored inner layer that might go unnoticed in total shade.