Oak-leaved Hydrangea Burgundy

With the best autumn colour of any oak-leaved hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia Burgundy is a medium-sized to large, deciduous shrub with a bushy, spreading habit, lovely in a shrub border in a larger garden, or as part of a woodland planting. Large, deeply lobed, oak-leaf-like green leaves turn wonderful shades of purple and burgundy in autumn. Big, conical heads of creamy-white flowers, ageing to pink, are borne over a long period from July to September; later flowers look particularly lovely against the turning leaves. May suffer some damage in severe winters; leave the dead flowers on the stems over winter for protection. Like all oak-leaved hydrangeas, Burgundy flowers best in full sun.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained, acid to neutral soil, preferably humus-rich
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: July to September
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 66 (2m) Spread: 8 (2.5m)