FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Oakleaf hydrangea

By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub prized for its beautiful late spring blooms, fall foliage, and winter bark. The large fragrant flower clusters gradually fade from creamy white to rosy pink. Attractive dry, papery flowerheads persist into fall when the large leathery dark green leaves turn red, bronze, and purple. Larger stems have cinnamon-tan peeling bark. Striking as a specimen shrub or when massed, oakleaf hydrangea typically grows 4-6 feet tall. An understory shrub with north Florida the southern end of its range, oakleaf hydrangea prefers part shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade ideal. It grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil. The flowers attract bumble bees, syrphid flies, and butterflies. Oakleaf hydrangeas are blooming now at the north edge of the wooded swale at Sopchoppy Depot Park.