Amy Draiss
Quick Facts
Botanical name: Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'
Height: 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 m)
Spread: 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 m)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil requirements: Moist, well-drained
Hardiness zones: 5 to 9
When to plant: Fall or early spring
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ is a cultivar of oakleaf hydrangea. Oakleaf hydrangeas are named for their leaf shape, similar to those on oak trees. Native to North America, it is a large, flowering shrub that grows more slowly than other varieties.
With blooms that reach up to 14 inches (35.5 cm), 'Alice' oakleaf hydrangeas are a particularly showy amongst all the different types of hydrangeas. ‘Alice’ is known for its large flower panicles, good fall color, and resistance to foliage diseases.
'Alice' Oakleaf Hydrangea Care
‘Alice’ oakleaf hydrangea care is mostly hands-off, but depends on getting the conditions right for optimal growth. With the correct care, this stunning shrub can give you big, showy blooms in the summer and gorgeous fall foliage as the weather cools. You can find a stunning 'Alice' oakleaf hydrangea from Green Promise Farms in the Gardening Know How Shop.
Light
Oakleaf hydrangeas grow best in full sun or partial shade. Too much shade will diminish some of the shrub’s striking fall colors.
Water
Standard hydrangea water requirements are the same for this cultivar. ‘Alice’ does best in soil that stays consistently moist. Water regularly while the shrub is getting established to ensure it gets enough moisture. Once it is mature, only water if there is no rain. Use a thick layer of mulch to help hold water in the soil.
Temperature & Humidity
As long as you’re gardening within the recommended hardiness zones for this hydrangea, it should be fine all year. If temperatures are too cold in winter, your shrub may lose some buds. Plants grown in the more northern zone of the range can benefit from wrapping in winter to protect against this.
Its July flowers are huge with arching cones of white blooms that reach up to 14" in length. Autumn foliage and winter-exfoliating bark keeps the color going all year!
Soil
The best soil to help ‘Alice’ thrive is fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. If your soil is poor, add compost or other necessary amendments at planting time.
Fertilizer
Caring for hydrangeas is pretty was as they generally don’t require fertilization. If your soil is poor, add add compost when planting the shrub. If your soil is slightly alkaline, a mildly acidic fertilizer can help address this while also feeding the shrub.
Problems, Pests & Diseases
You shouldn’t encounter many issues with ‘Alice’ if you give it the right growing conditions. You might see occasional spider mites or aphids. While it resists foliage diseases well, any hydrangea can become susceptible to powdery mildew. Ensure adequate spacing and airflow to lower the risk.
Pruning Oakleaf Hydrangea ‘Alice’
Oakleaf hydrangeas don’t need a lot of pruning. Because it blooms on old wood, the time to prune is after flowering but not after July. Pruning too late can remove buds that are setting for next year’s blooms. Pruning lightly every couple of years to maintain its shape and health is usually adequate for an oakleaf hydrangea shrub.
Propagation
You can propagate a favorite oakleaf hydrangea through rooting stem cuttings. Keep in mind it will take a long time to get a sizable shrub from one cutting. Take cuttings of fresh, green growth from stems without flowers. The cuttings should have at least one node.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Root the cutting in moist potting mix and keep it in a warm location with indirect light. Keep the soil moist and expect to get adequate root growth for transplanting within about 12 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big Do Alice Hydrangeas Get?
‘Alice’ oakleaf hydrangea size is medium to large. This cultivar grows between 5 and 8 feet (1.5 and 2.4 m) tall and wide.
Where is the Best Place to Plant Oakleaf Hydrangeas?
Grow oakleaf hydrangeas in areas with moist but not soggy soil that is rich and slightly acidic. It should also be planted in a location with full or partial sun.
What Color Are Alice Oakleaf Hydrangeas in the Fall?
‘Alice’ has spectacular fall color. The leaves turn various shades of bronze, deep red, and purple.
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