SNOW FLAKE OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Flake’

 Snow Flake has the showiest (and heaviest) flowers of the species.  Inflorescences (panicles) can reach over one foot in length and are fully double-flowered.  The branches do bend with such heavy bloom, but not excessively so.  The habit is a multi-stemmed shrub, ultimately wider than tall.  No significant pest or disease problems.  Adapted to USDA zones 6 to 9.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’

Probably the most elegant and showy of the full-sized oakleaf hydrangea varieties, Snow Queen was selected for its predominance of sterile florets (the showy ones) and big full bloom trusses.  Since the florets are single the inflorescences don't weigh-down the stems like double-flowered forms, so they are held upright, thereby reducing sprawl and displaying the beautiful blooms more prominently.  Fall color is a nice, deep, reddish purple.

CLIMBING HYDRANGEA

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris

 This beautiful and refined deciduous vine is a great choice for covering walls or sturdy fences with its lustrous green vegetation complemented superbly by abundant (and fragrant) white lace cap inflorescences in early to midsummer.  It can take full sun in northern areas, but is happier with afternoon shade in most situations.  Although fall color is nil, the vine sports lovely bronzy exfoliating bark in the winter on nice stout stems.  This vine does not need to be tied or trained to what it climbs on as it produces holdfasts (modified adventitious roots) that keep it attached to most any vertical surface.  This wonderful plant should be in every garden.  Best adapted in USDA zones 4 to 7.