Common Name:
Snow Queen Oakleaf Hydrangea
Description:
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ is a striking deciduous shrub renowned for its large upright white flower panicles, bold oak-shaped foliage, and exceptional autumn colour. This elegant oakleaf hydrangea produces abundant conical blooms from late spring through summer, with flowers gradually maturing from crisp white to soft pink and light bronze tones as they age. The deeply lobed dark green leaves create strong texture in the garden before transforming into spectacular shades of burgundy, crimson, and purple during autumn. ‘Snow Queen’ has a more upright and refined growth habit than many other oakleaf hydrangeas, making it an excellent feature plant for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and larger landscape plantings. In Melbourne’s climate, it performs best in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and benefits from protection from harsh afternoon sun. Once established, it shows good tolerance to periods of dry weather and provides outstanding year-round ornamental interest through foliage, flowers, and bark texture.
Form:
Mature Size:
- Height: 1.5–2.5 m
- Width: 1.5–2.5 m
Aspect:
Flowering:
- Flowers in Spring
- Flowers in Summer
Flower Colour:
Key Attributes:
- Bee Attracting
- Deciduous
- Long Seasonal Interest
- Perennial
- Suitable for Cottage Gardens
- Suitable for Cut Flowers
- Suitable for Woodland Gardens
Toxicity:
- Toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
- Contains cyanogenic compounds that may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastrointestinal irritation.
Companion Plants:
- Azalea
- Camellia
- Clivia
- Helleborus
- Hosta
- Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)
- Liriope
- Pieris
- Woodland ferns
This cultivar is grown by Flemings Nurseries, one of Australia's most renowned growers.
Image used with permission from Fleming’s Nurseries.
For more information on this particular variety, click here
