Hydrangea quercifolia pee wee is a plant that is known for its small size and its ability to thrive in shady areas. This plant is native to Japan and Korea, and it was first introduced to the United States in the early 1900s. The pee wee plant is a member of the hydrangea family, and it is closely related to the more common hydrangea macrophylla. The pee wee plant is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet and a width of 4-5 feet. The leaves of the plant are dark green and leathery, and the flowers are white or pale pink. The pee wee plant is an easy plant to care for, and it is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
Also known as
- Oakleaf hydrangea
- Mountain hydrangea
- Tree hydrangea
- Wild hydrangea
- Smooth hydrangea
Basic info
- Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' is a deciduous shrub.
- It is native to the southeastern United States.
- It is a member of the genus Hydrangea and the family Hydrangeaceae.
- It typically grows to 2-3 feet tall and wide.
- The leaves are leathery and deeply lobed.
- The flowers are white and borne in clusters.
- The fruit is a small, brown capsule.
- The plant prefers partial to full sun and moist, well-drained soils.
- It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.
- It is resistant to damage from deer and rabbits.
Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge
Planting Process
- For hydrangea quercifolia pee wee, first step is to take a cutting in spring or early summer.
- Cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) long stem from a healthy plant just below a node (the place where leaves are attached).
- Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
- Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened perlite or sand.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag or wrap to create a humid environment.
- Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight.
- Keep the perlite or sand moist but not wet.
- After 4-6 weeks, roots should have developed and the cutting can be transplanted into a pot with potting mix.
- Water regularly and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Related plant:
Pink Diamond Hydrangea Tree
Soil Condition
About soil condition, the best type of soil for planting a hydrangea quercifolia pee wee is moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil is not acidic enough, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.
About light
Like the other hydrangeas, the Hydrangea quercifolia Pee Wee requires a decent amount of sunlight to thrive. It's best to plant it in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sun each day. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to plant the Pee Wee in a spot that gets a little bit of afternoon shade. This will help protect the plant from the intense heat and prevent the leaves from scorching.
The Temperature
The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' is a temperature that is not too hot and not too cold. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity Requirement
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will become dry and begin to fall off. If the air is too humid, the leaves will become yellow and start to drop off.
The Fertilizer
Discussing fertilizer, this plant does best with a balanced fertilizer. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, before new growth begins. You can also fertilize in mid to late summer, if necessary. When using a fertilizer, be sure to follow the package directions carefully. Too much fertilizer can damage the roots and leaves of the plant.
Light requirement
Pruning your pee wee hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia pee wee) is important to keep the plant looking its best. You should prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the stems by about one-third their length. Be sure to make clean, sharp cuts.
Plant Propagation
Propagation of Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' is typically done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is just beginning to harden off and should be 4-6 inches long. Cut just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and in a protected location until new growth appears, at which point you can move it to a more exposed location.
Growth Speed
Usually, the plant growth rate is pretty fast, but it really depends on the growing conditions. If you keep the bush well-watered and in a sunny spot, you can expect it to grow about a foot each year.
Common Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are:1. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot can affect the leaves and flowers, causing them to tone down and eventually die.2. Bacterial diseases, such as bacterial leaf spot and stem canker, can also affect the leaves and flowers, causing them to wilt and die.3. Aphids, mealybugs, and other sap-sucking insects can weaken the plant and cause stunted growth.4. Slugs and snails can damage the leaves and flowers, causing them to brown and die.
Basics of Growing
- Remember to give your hydrangea quercifolia pee wee plant plenty of water, especially during hot weather.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the spring to help encourage growth.
- Prune away any dead or diseased branches in early spring.
- Provide some shade for your plant during the hottest hours of the day.
- Check for pests and diseases regularly, and take action if necessary.
- Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
- Stake taller varieties to prevent them from toppling over.
- Cut back the plant after flowering to encourage new growth.
- Divide and replant congested clumps every few years.
- Enjoy the beauty of your hydrangea quercifolia pee wee plant!
Related Plants
- Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee'
- Compactums
- Oakleaf hydrangea
- Pee Wee
- Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'
- Oakleaf hydrangeas
- Smooth hydrangea
- Pink Diamond
- Munchkin
- Little Honey
Source:
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' - mlp.arboretum.purdue.edu
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) - Penn State Extension
Species: Hydrangea quercifolia - woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category
