Oakleaf Hydrangea

About this plant

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Sikes Dwarf' is a charming, compact oakleaf hydrangea, perfect for adding multi-seasonal interest to borders, foundations, or containers. Its distinctive, deeply lobed leaves resemble oak leaves and emerge a fresh green, transitioning to spectacular shades of burgundy, crimson, and purple in autumn. In late spring to early summer, an abundance of creamy white, cone-shaped flower panicles emerge, held proudly above the foliage. These long-lasting blooms gradually fade to a lovely pink as they mature, providing continued appeal through the summer months. Even in winter, the exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark offers textural interest. This cultivar offers all the desirable traits of the classic oakleaf hydrangea in a manageable size, making it an excellent choice for smaller landscapes or those seeking a more contained specimen. Its strong architectural form and year-round appeal ensure it's a standout in any garden.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers a neutral to acidic pH. Best performance in part shade, particularly in hotter climates, which helps preserve the autumn leaf color. Prune after flowering if necessary to maintain shape or remove spent blooms; avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall as it flowers on old wood. Provide a layer of mulch to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.