Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'
Snowflake Oak Leaf Hydrangea
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Height
- 5 to 6 feet
- Width
- 7 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Large white double flowers, aging to a dusty pink
- Foliage color
- Green in summer, transitioning to red-purple in fall
- Bloom time
- Summer
- Light
- Partial sun to full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; may require pruning after flowering to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5b to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies
About this plant
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake' is a double-flowered oakleaf hydrangea renowned for its elegant, elongated panicles of layered blooms. These flower clusters, which appear in late spring and last through summer, transition from creamy white to soft pink as they mature, offering a dynamic display of color. The deeply lobed, oak-like foliage turns rich shades of red, orange, and burgundy in the fall, adding seasonal interest long after the flowers fade.
'Snowflake' is a selection that originated in Alabama, where it was discovered and propagated for its unique double blooms and enhanced ornamental value. This cultivar exemplifies the charm of North American native hydrangeas, blending natural beauty with a cultivated refinement that makes it a standout choice for woodland gardens and mixed borders.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Containers · Cottage Gardens · Cutting Gardens
Companion plants
Yarrow · Oregon grape · Coreopsis · Blanket flower · Phlox · Bulgarian honey garlic
Design tip
Use ‘Snowflake’ where its ornamental display can carry through multiple seasons. Its elongated, double-flowered panicles transition from creamy white to soft pink through summer, while the deeply lobed foliage develops rich red, orange, and burgundy tones in fall, extending its visual interest after flowering.
