Great Design Plant: Oakleaf Hydrangea

Before full bloom, the light green spires add structural and textural interest; after the peak bloom, the flowers fade from white to purplish-brown and pinkish-brown hues, hanging on until fall. These make them a popular dried-flower choice.

Planting notes. Plant oakleaf hydrangeas in the fall, late spring or early summer. The most important aspect of the soil is that it is well drained and fertile. While these are native understory woodland plants, they can tolerate lots of sunlight in the north and require only partial shade in the south (for best results, find afternoon shade for them in the south). If you are in zone 5, wrap your newly planted oakleaf hydrangeas in burlap for the winter.

1. Dig a hole three times the circumference of the container and about the same height as the container. Remove the plant gently.
2. Add enough soil to hold the plant in place, fill the hole with water and let the plant absorb the water. If your soil seems too dense and heavy, add tree-bark mulch to the mix. Fill in the rest of the hole with soil and tamp it down.
3. Add mulch atop the soil to keep in the moisture, spreading it all around the planting area without letting it touch the base. Water it but be sure not to overwater. You don't want this area to remain soggy, just consistently moist.

More:
See more guides to great design plants