Hydrangea quercifolia Gatsby Star - Oak-leaved Hydrangea

The Hydrangea quercifolia 'Gatsby Star' is a oakleaf hydrangea that forms a large bush of 2 m (7ft) in all directions. Like the species, it has large, intricately cut leaves that are particularly decorative due to their unique design, and in autumn they take on rich purple-red colours. Its flowering in large white-greenish panicles is unique due to the shape of the florets, which have curiously pointed petals. It lasts throughout the summer, which is its second aesthetic advantage. Additionally, it adapts to various soil and sunlight conditions, even tolerating limestone, unlike most other hydrangeas. It is an easy-to-grow and highly decorative bush in summer and autumn.

The Hydrangea quercifolia, from the Hydrangeaceae family, is mainly native to the southwest United States, particularly the Mississippi Valley. It can be found growing on cliffs, in damp woods, ravines, and along riverbanks, from Georgia to Louisiana, passing through Florida. It is a large deciduous shrub, reaching a height of 4 m (13ft) in its natural habitat and spreading by producing suckers up to 3.50 m (11ft) away from the mother plant. It is characterised by a deep root system and large lobed leaves, which are supposed to resemble the leaves of the American red oak (Quercus rubra). In reality, the leaves of the red oak are more thread-like and much smoother. The hydrangea's leaves are broad and slightly rough on the surface, with more prominent veins.

It is appreciated for its beautiful autumn colours and its flowering in large upright white panicles composed of small powdery fertile flowers surrounded by larger sterile florets, which turn pinkish at the end of the season. In the garden, it is one of the easiest hydrangeas to grow: it is hardy below -20°C (-4°F), tolerates some limestone in the soil, and can withstand heat and occasionally dry soil if it is deep. It thrives in full sun and also grows well in partial shade. The 'Gatsby Star' variety stands out for its unique flowering. Its long panicles are covered with small white sterile florets with a greenish heart. Very double, these florets consist of an overlapping of 4 to 7 crowns of pointed petals, giving this sophisticated flowering a particularly romantic star-like appearance. Its flowering extends from July to September, enchanting the garden throughout the summer. It bears the characteristic leaves of Hydrangea quercifolia, with well-cut lobes and small teeth along the edge of the lamina. They are a bright green during the growing season and turn purple-red in autumn, prolonging the spectacle of the summer flowering.

This large bush reaches 2 m (7ft) in all directions and forms a shrub from which the long floral panicles emerge somewhat chaotically, giving it a slightly wild appearance. It easily blends into a natural garden, a flower bed, or at the edge of trees. This hardy hydrangea is easy to grow, tolerating various types of soil and even some limestone, unlike the majority of other species. It also withstands dry conditions once established, although it appreciates some watering in summer. It prefers slightly sunny exposures that enhance its autumn colours and floribundity, with dappled light from tree foliage or even shade in warm climates. Not fearing the cold, it is hardy down to -20°C (-4°F) or even lower in well-drained soil.

The Hydrangea quercifolia 'Gatsby Star' can be associated with other hydrangeas, but since it does not require acidic soil, it can also be combined with many other shrubs that thrive in neutral soils. As it flowers in summer, you can pair it with spring-flowering shrubs, or, conversely, make it the centerpiece of a summer flower bed. Combine it with vibrant Lagerstroemias or summer lilacs, whose often brilliant flowering contrasts with the more subtle 'Gatsby Star'. For a more romantic scene, opt for the Buddleia alternifolia, a large shrub that is unfortunately not widely known despite its superb and unique flowering. Its lilac-pink flowers grouped in small clusters spiral along the flexible branches, rivaling the originality of our hydrangea. And for a gentle contrast, plant the surprising Vitex agnus-castus 'Flip Side' alongside it, a Chaste tree with dark green leaves and violet undersides, and a lavender-blue flowering. A shrub of great elegance that pairs perfectly with 'Gatsby Star' to create an elegant scene throughout the summer and even in spring thanks to the contrasting foliage.