Hydrangea quercifolia 'Sikes Dwarf' Native Hydrangea

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The Morton Arboretum recommends native Sikes Dwarf Hydrangea for smaller gardens. I would add also for cozy corners or shady nooks of a large garden.
The Sikes Dwarf grows about 2 feet tall and wide at maturity and will survive zone 5 winters.
In addition to the other reasons we love native plants, this baby is disease and insect free.

They will thrive in moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. As with all these shade lovers, mulch really helps them survive our summers.

You may have to protect it a bit since it flowers on old wood and the flower buds can be damaged in extreme cold.

Prune after bloom like most hydrangeas.
PineRidge Gardens
As you can see, the flowers are more open than many. Digging Dog Nursery says, "We have Sarah Sikes to thank for this new low growing Oak Leaf Hydrangea. Hailing from Alabama, it’s half the size of most quercifolias, rendering it a mainstay in the smaller garden. Lobed and closely spaced, the handsome broad foliage shows off abundant ivory-colored conical blooms. Surround with leaves of like shapes such as Anemone and Kirengeshoma to complement ‘Sikes Dwarf’s unparalleled foliar texture."

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