Hydrangea quercifolia 'Queen of Hearts' (Oakleaf Hydrangea) Unity Grown

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Queen of Hearts,' commonly known as 'Queen of Hearts' hydrangea, is a fantastic oakleaf hydrange selection that's perfect for a variety of uses in the home garden. Originally developed by the U.S. National Arboretum in 1998, 'Queen of Hearts' comes from the same population that spawned the 'Ruby Slippers' cultivar, and is a direct descendant of 'Snow Queen' and 'Pee Wee' hydrangeas.

'Queen of Hearts' matures to a larger size of six to nine feet tall and up to eight or nine feet wide, with attractive, oak-like foliage, making it ideal for tall seasonal hedges, foundation plantings, and specimen growing. From June to July, this cultivar is noted for its strikingly large and upright flower panicles that emerge clean white and mature to rose pink, lasting longer than other cultivars before flowers begin to fade; flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, and 'Queen of Hearts' gains multi-season appeal with its dark wine-red fall foliage.

After fall foliage has come and gone, coarse mature stems exfoliate to reveal an attractive, cinnamon brown inner bark, which adds eye-catching appeal to the winter landscape as well. This cultivar performs best in fertile soil in full to part-sun areas, and works great in a variety of landscapes; with year-round aesthetic appeal, 'Queen of Hearts' is an outstanding addition to any large garden space.