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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'

Snowflake Oak Leaf Hydrangea

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.

Light

Partial sun to full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)