Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

oakleaf hydrangea varieties

Oakleaf hydrangea varieties are some of the most enchanting and versatile shrubs available for New Zealand gardens. Known for their distinctive lobed leaves and striking, cone-shaped flower clusters, oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) provide spectacular foliage and blooms from spring through autumn—including vivid fall colours. Whether you’re searching for a dramatic focal point or an easy-care shrub for borders, oakleaf hydrangea varieties offer a range of sizes, flower forms, and leaf shapes to suit any landscape. Let’s explore standout cultivars, planting tips, and how to choose the best oakleaf hydrangea variety for your garden.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' in a border garden and displaying masses of white flowers.

Hydrangea Pee Wee

5 from 1 customers

Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' is a dwarf oakleaf hydrangea known for its compact size and striking seasonal appeal. It produces upright clusters of white flowers in summer, which age to soft pink, while the distinctive lobed foliage turns deep red and bronze in autumn. Perfect for smaller gardens, borders, or containers, ‘Pee Wee’ thrives in part-shade with moist, well-drained soil and performs reliably in New Zealand conditions. It’s an excellent low-maintenance choice for year-round texture and colour in tight spaces.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, White
hydrangea-quercifolia-snowflake-2

Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake' is a spectacular oakleaf hydrangea, prized for its large, cascading double white flower panicles that bloom in summer and gradually turn soft pink. The deeply lobed foliage adds texture and turns brilliant shades of burgundy and red in autumn, offering year-round interest. This deciduous shrub thrives in part-shade with moist, well-drained soil and performs beautifully in New Zealand gardens. ‘Snowflake’ is a bold, elegant choice for woodland borders, foundation plantings, or feature spots.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, White
Hydrangea 'Madame Plumecoq' shrub with pink flowers.

Hydrangea Madame Plumecoq

Hydrangea 'Madame Plumecoq' is a graceful lacecap hydrangea known for its soft pink outer florets and delicate flower structure. Blooming from early...

From$29.63
hydrangea-you-me-passion-

Hydrangea You Me Passion

Hydrangea 'You & Me Passion' is a romantic and refined variety from the You & Me® series, featuring stunning double-petalled blooms in rich pink...

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'You Me Together' flower with cream and pink florets.

Hydrangea 'You Me Together'

Hydrangea 'You Me Together' is a beautiful compact shrub admired for its fully double pink flower heads that create a lush romantic display through...

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'Saxon Pink Maiden' pink and cream flower head with dark green foliage.

Hydrangea 'Saxon Pink Maiden'

Hydrangea 'Saxon Pink Maiden' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant pink mophead flowers that bring cheerful summer colour to New...

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' plant in a pot with stunning red flowers and lush, purple-green foliage.

Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red'

Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' is a bold and dramatic deciduous shrub admired for its deep red mophead flowers set against dark stems and rich green foliage...

From$26.93
Hydrangea serrata 'Preziosa' cream coloured flower above dark green foliage.

Hydrangea serrata Preziosa

Hydrangea serrata 'Preziosa' is a captivating lacecap variety that evolves in colour throughout the season, starting with pink blooms that deepen to...

From$29.63
hydrangea-mariesii-perfecta-3

Hydrangea Mariesii Perfecta

Hydrangea 'Mariesii Perfecta' is a stunning lacecap hydrangea celebrated for its vivid blue or pink outer florets surrounding fertile central blooms...

From$29.63
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Trophy' stunning white flowers with blue florets.

Hydrangea 'Trophy'

Hydrangea 'Trophy' is a classic mophead hydrangea prized for its large rounded blooms in rich pink to rose tones. This reliable variety delivers bold...

From$29.63
hydrangea-mrs-kumiko-

Hydrangea Mrs Kumiko

Hydrangea 'Mrs Kumiko' is a delightful and elegant variety that showcases soft pink, double-petalled blooms with a beautifully ruffled appearance...

From$29.63
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Immaculata' white flowers above lush, green foliage.

Hydrangea 'Immaculata'

Hydrangea 'Immaculata' is an elegant lacecap hydrangea admired for its delicate white outer florets surrounding a soft creamy centre. This refined...

From$29.63
Hydrangea Princess Juliana young, cream coloured flowers.

Hydrangea Princess Juliana

Hydrangea 'Princess Juliana' is a refined mophead variety celebrated for its large, pure white flower heads and classic garden appeal. The clean...

From$29.63
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Leuchtfeuer' pink and cream-coloured flowers.

Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer'

Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer' is a vibrant mophead hydrangea celebrated for its large rounded blooms in intense deep red to crimson tones. This striking...

From$29.63
hydrangea-paniculata-levana-

Hydrangea paniculata Levana

Hydrangea 'Levana' is a commanding paniculata variety known for its exceptionally large, upright panicle blooms that emerge creamy white and age to...

From$29.63
Hydrangea petiolaris white flowers and green foliage.

Hydrangea petiolaris

Hydrangea petiolaris is a climbing hydrangea that grows as a vigorous, self-clinging deciduous climber that produces flat white lacecap blooms in...

From$40.43
hydrangea-macrophylla-nightingale-3

Hydrangea Nightingale

Hydrangea 'Nightingale' is a graceful lacecap hydrangea known for its soft blue fertile florets surrounded by delicate pale blue sterile flowers...

From$29.63
hydrangea-macrophylla-geoffrey-chadbund-1

Hydrangea Geoffrey Chadbund

Hydrangea 'Geoffrey Chadbund' is a charming mophead variety featuring rich pink flower heads that bring classic elegance to any garden space. With a...

From$29.63
A purple-blue Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' flower.

Hydrangea Renate Steiniger

Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' is a vibrant mophead variety renowned for its large, vivid blue flower heads when grown in acidic soil. Its strong stems...

From$36.38
Hydrangea paniculata 'Kyushu' shrub with masses of white flowers.

Hydrangea Kyushu

Hydrangea paniculata 'Kyushu' is an elegant variety known for its large conical clusters of white flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. The...

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' elegant cream-white flowers.

Hydrangea Bridal Bouquet

Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' is a graceful and timeless variety featuring pure white mophead blooms that evoke elegance and charm. This classic shrub...

From$29.63
hydrangea-macrophylla-piamina--1

Hydrangea Piamina

Hydrangea 'Piamina' is a charming and compact mophead variety, celebrated for its small but vivid pink flower heads that bring colour and structure...

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'Blueberries and Cream' blue flower with cream-coloured florets.

Hydrangea 'Blueberries and Cream'

Hydrangea 'Blueberries and Cream' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its beautiful lacecap flowers featuring creamy white outer florets...

From$29.63
hydrangea-macrophylla-masja-

Hydrangea Masja

Hydrangea 'Masja' is a compact mophead hydrangea known for its vibrant rose-pink blooms and tidy, rounded shape—perfect for small gardens, borders...

From$26.93
hydrangea-serrata-blue-deckle-1

Hydrangea Blue Deckle

Hydrangea 'Blue Deckle' is a refined lacecap hydrangea valued for its delicate blue flower centres surrounded by pale outer florets. Flowering...

From$29.63
dichroa-blue-stars--1

Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$29.63
Gorgeous Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha' pink flowers.

Hydrangea Ayesha

Hydrangea 'Ayesha' is a distinctive variety prized for its lilac-like flower clusters and subtle fragrance. The waxy, spoon-shaped petals and glossy...

From$29.63
hydrangea-macrophylla-blue-wave-2

Hydrangea Blue Wave

Hydrangea 'Blue Wave' is a stunning lacecap hydrangea known for its vibrant blue flower centres surrounded by delicate outer florets. Flowering...

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'Libelle' lacecap white and blue flowers.

Hydrangea Libelle

Hydrangea 'Libelle' is a graceful lacecap hydrangea renowned for its pure white sterile florets that elegantly frame a centre of tiny fertile...

From$29.63
A Hydrangea 'Strawberries and Cream' red and cream flower.

Hydrangea Strawberries and Cream

Hydrangea 'Strawberries and Cream' is a delightful mophead variety featuring soft pink blooms accented with creamy white, giving a two-tone effect...

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' shrubs with lime-green flowers and lush, green foliage.

Hydrangea Limelight

The 'Limelight' Hydrangea is a showstopping variety celebrated for its large, conical lime-green flower heads that gradually soften to cream, blush...

From$98.41
Hydrangea Pee Wee

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dichroa and Hydrangea, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers Deciduous Shrubs and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search oakleaf hydrangea

What Makes Oakleaf Hydrangeas Unique?

Unlike typical hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangea varieties boast foliage that mimics the leaves of oak trees, creating bold texture and interest throughout the year. These hydrangeas thrive in partially shaded spots and are well-suited for woodland gardens, mixed shrub borders, or foundation plantings. Their robust, drought-tolerant nature makes them an excellent choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking easy-care beauties.

Popular Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties

Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake

One of the most sought-after oakleaf hydrangea varieties is Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake. ‘Snowflake’ stands out with its double, layered blooms that last longer than traditional single-flowered types. This cultivar produces abundant white flower cones, which gradually fade to pink and then bronze, echoing the changing seasons. Its striking blooms and bold foliage make ‘Snowflake’ a favourite for adding drama to shaded borders.

Hydrangea Pee Wee

If you’re looking for a compact oakleaf hydrangea variety, Hydrangea Pee Wee is a top contender. ‘Pee Wee’ reaches only about a metre in height and width, perfect for smaller gardens or foundation plantings. It delivers classic oakleaf texture, white flower clusters, and remarkable autumn colours without overwhelming smaller spaces.

Hydrangea quercifolia

The classic species Hydrangea quercifolia is prized for its resilience and adaptability in New Zealand gardens. Its large, deeply lobed leaves and bold flower cones provide structure and beauty, making it an excellent choice for mass plantings, hedges, or the shady edge of a woodland garden.

Choosing and Using Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties

Oakleaf hydrangea varieties flourish in well-drained soil and partial shade, although they’ll tolerate full sun if mulched and kept moist. Their unique foliage and flower form make them handy for naturalistic plantings, wildlife gardens, and as striking companions to contrasting shrubs, such as Hydrangea aspera (Rough Leaf Hydrangea) or the delicate Hydrangea Mrs Kumiko.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas: A Native Garden Essential

With captivating leaf shapes, multi-season colour, and reliable blooms, oakleaf hydrangea varieties bring both lasting beauty and structure to the New Zealand landscape. Explore our full range of oakleaf hydrangea varieties—including customer favourites like Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake, Hydrangea Pee Wee, and Hydrangea quercifolia—to discover the perfect blend of classic elegance and easy-care garden appeal.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

The spotlight often lands on Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' and Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile), but Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous', Rose Albertine, and Quercus rubra deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews