Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’)

Also known as: Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea

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If you’re looking for a stunning deciduous shrub to add to your garden, the Hydrangea Quercifolia Alice, also known as the Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea, is great. This shrub belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae, and it’s a popular member of the hydrangea family. It’s known for its large, showy, white flowers and oak-shaped leaves. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that’s easy to grow and care for, making it a great addition to any garden.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Hydrangea Quercifolia Alice, also known as the Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea, is a stunning deciduous shrub belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. It is a slow-growing shrub that can reach a height of 4-6 feet and a width of 6-8 feet at maturity. The plant has a rounded habit and typically grows wider than it is tall.

The exfoliating branches of ‘Alice’ add to its winter interest. The bark peels away in thin strips, revealing a cinnamon-brown layer beneath. The oak-like, dark green leaves of ‘Alice’ are deeply lobed and have a coarse texture. The leaves turn attractive shades of bronze, maroon, and purple in the fall, adding to the plant’s beauty.

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice')
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ CC0 1.0

‘ Alice’ produces large, showy panicles of white flowers in early summer. The flowers are cone-shaped and can reach up to 12 inches in length. The flowers gradually turn pink as they age, adding another layer of interest to the plant.

‘ Alice’ is a low-maintenance plant that prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but requires more shade in hotter climates. The plant is also tolerant of drought and is deer-resistant.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ is a beautiful, slow-growing shrub that provides year-round interest. Its exfoliating branches, oak-like leaves, and attractive fall color make it a standout in any garden. Its large, showy flowers and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for gardeners.

II. How to Grow and Care

Light and Exposure

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ grows best in partial shade or full sun, depending on the climate. In the south, it prefers partial shade, while in USDA Zone 5 and 6, it thrives in full sun. When planting, ensure that the hydrangea is exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice')
Hydrangea quercifolia Alice 3zz Photo by David J. Stang CC BY-SA 4.0

Soil and Water

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It grows well in both sandy and clay soils, but it requires a pH level of 5.0-6.5 to thrive. To keep your hydrangea healthy, water it regularly, especially during dry spells. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Pruning and Winter Protection

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ blooms on old wood, so it requires proper care and pruning to maintain its shape. Prune the hydrangea after it flowers in late summer or early fall. Remove any dead or diseased wood and cut back the stems to the desired size. In winter, protect the hydrangea from harsh weather conditions by mulching around the base of the plant.

Propagation and Spacing

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice')
Hydrangea quercifolia Alice 0zz Photo by David J. Stang CC BY-SA 4.0

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ can be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in early summer. Ensure that the cuttings are healthy and have at least two nodes. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they root.

When planting Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’, ensure that you space them at least six feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation. Plant them in a sheltered aspect to protect them from strong winds.

Pests and Diseases

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it is not immune to problems. Here are some potential problems that you may encounter when growing this plant:

Common Pests

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ is susceptible to aphids, which can cause damage to the leaves and stems. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Common Diseases

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice')
Hydrangea quercifolia Alice 1zz Photo by David J. Stang CC BY-SA 4.0

Powdery mildew and leaf blight are common diseases that can affect Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Leaf blight causes brown spots on the leaves. You can prevent these diseases by ensuring that the plant has good air circulation and is not overcrowded.

  • Alkaline Soil

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ prefers acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. If your soil is too alkaline, the plant may not thrive. You can lower the pH of your soil by adding sulfur or a soil acidifier.

  • Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. It is more common in humid conditions. You can prevent leaf spot by ensuring that the plant has good air circulation and is not overcrowded.

In summary, Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ is a relatively low-maintenance plant but is not immune to problems. By being aware of these potential problems and taking steps to prevent them, you can ensure that your plant remains healthy and beautiful.

III. Uses and Benefits

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ is a beautiful and versatile shrub that can be used in a variety of landscaping settings. Here are some ways you can incorporate this plant into your garden:

  • Garden

Planting ‘Alice’ in your garden can add a pop of color and texture to your landscape. This shrub produces large, cone-shaped flower clusters that can range in color from white to pink. The flowers bloom in the summer and can last for several weeks. ‘Alice’ also has attractive foliage that turns a beautiful burgundy color in the fall. This makes it a great choice for adding interest to your garden throughout the growing season.

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice')
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ CC0 1.0
  • Foundations

‘Alice’ is a great choice for planting near the foundation of your home. Its compact size and slow growth rate make it an ideal shrub for this purpose. The plant’s attractive foliage and flowers can help soften the look of your home’s foundation and add curb appeal. Be sure to plant ‘Alice’ at least three feet away from your home’s foundation to avoid any potential damage.

  • Shrub Borders

‘Alice’ can be used to create a beautiful shrub border in your garden. This plant’s upright growth habit and compact size make it a great choice for this purpose. Plant ‘Alice’ in a row along the edge of your garden to create a natural border. This will help define the space and add structure to your landscape.

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’) Details

Common name

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea

Botanical name

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'

Plant type

,

Hardiness zone

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Growth rate

Height

5-10 ft.

Width

5-10 ft.

Dimensions
Dimensions 63630675053 × 63630675017 cm
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