SKU: 00840369413178 Hydrangea Quercifolia "Snow Queen" - 3.5 Inch Starter Plant

Features

• Growth Habit: Deciduous, upright, rounded shrub with strong branching and sturdy flower stems.
• Mature Size: 4–6 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide.
• Growth Rate: Moderate.
• Bloom Color: Creamy white flower panicles that mature to pink and rose.
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.
• Fragrance: Light, sweet fragrance.
• Fruit Flavor: None; not grown for edible fruit.
• Culinary Uses: None; plant parts are not considered edible.
• Medicinal Uses: No recognized modern medicinal uses.
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Generally deer-resistant once established; rarely affected by serious pests or diseases. Good resistance to leaf spot and powdery mildew compared to some hydrangea species.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9.
• Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter climates.
• Drought Tolerance: Good once established; more drought-tolerant than many other hydrangeas.
• Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soil with slightly acidic pH.
• Fall Color: Brilliant burgundy, crimson, purple, and bronze foliage.

When and How to Prune

• ‘Snow Queen’ blooms on old wood, meaning flower buds form during the previous growing season.
• Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed.
• Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches at any time.
• Avoid pruning in late summer, fall, winter, or early spring, as this may remove next year's flower buds.
• Every few years, remove one or two of the oldest stems at ground level to encourage fresh growth and improve airflow.
• Minimal pruning is usually required.

Planting Instructions (From a 3.5" Pot)

1. Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sunlight.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and approximately the same depth as the root ball.
3. Carefully remove the plant from the 3.5-inch pot and gently loosen any circling roots.
4. Place the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.
5. Backfill with native soil, incorporating compost if desired.
6. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
7. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from direct contact with the stems.
8. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

Overwintering Steps

1. Water deeply before the ground freezes, especially during dry autumn weather.
2. Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the root zone after the first hard frost to protect roots and conserve soil moisture.
3. Avoid pruning in fall or winter since flower buds for the following year are already present on the stems.
4. In colder parts of its range (Zone 5), consider adding extra mulch or leaf cover around the base during severe winters.
5. Leave spent flower heads on the plant through winter for added protection and seasonal interest.
6. In early spring, remove only winter-damaged branches after new growth begins to emerge.
7. Refresh mulch annually to help regulate soil temperature and moisture.

With its elegant upright blooms, outstanding fall color, attractive peeling bark, and excellent drought tolerance, Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ delivers year-round beauty and remains one of the finest native flowering shrubs for the landscape.