Hydrangea quercifolia Jetstream

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Jetstream' is a variety of oakleaf Hydrangea recently selected in the United States for its dense and compact habit, and its particularly robust stems that do not bend under the weight of its voluminous inflorescences. Its panicles of cream-white flowers appear in July, gradually tinting pink over the following weeks. This shrub features glossy, very healthy dark green foliage, which is adorned with a remarkable symphony of colours for the late season. With its modest growth, this ornamental shrub will easily find its place in a small garden or in a pot on the terrace or balcony. Like all 'oak leaves', this hydrangea is not demanding in terms of soil and climate, and is worth discovering!

Hydrangea quercifolia, from the Hydrangeaceae family, is mainly native to the southwestern United States, particularly the Mississippi valley. It can be found growing on cliffs, in humid woods, ravines and along the banks of rivers, from Georgia to Louisiana, via Florida. It is a large deciduous shrub, which can reach 4 m (13 ft) in height in its natural habitat and by producing shoots can reach 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in) in width. It is characterised by large lobed leaves, whose appearance can resemble oak leaves. It is appreciated for its superb autumn colours and its flowering in large white and erect panicles composed of small powdery fertile flowers surrounded by larger fertile florets. In the garden, it is one of the easiest hydrangeas to grow: it is hardy below -20 °C (-4 °F), tolerates a bit of limestone in the soil, and can handle heat and periodically dry soils in summer if they are deep.

The 'Jetstream' cultivar was introduced in the USA in 2013 by Dr Michael Dirr of Plant Introductions. It features a dense and well-ramified habit. It reaches about 160 cm (63 in) in height for a 140 cm (55 in) spread. One of the major assets of this variety is the very solid nature of its stems, which keep the flower panicles upright even under the weight of rain. Flowering begins in June-July, depending on the climate, and develops on the old wood. It consists of erect, pyramidal inflorescences, 15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 in) long. These inflorescences quickly tint pink, often showing on the same panicle a nice gradient of shades: dark pink towards the base of the panicle; white towards the tip. Its large dark green leaves, 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 in) long, are cut into 5 deep, roughly dentate edges. At the end of summer, they take on wonderful red shades, from burgundy to mahogany, before falling in October. The bark of this variety peels over time, revealing new and shiny cinnamon-coloured wood, which is decorative in winter.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Jetstream' appreciates slightly sunny exposures which accentuate its autumn colours: the light filtered by the foliage of trees or even shade in hot climates. It is used in mass plantings, as a standalone in a small garden or at a bend in a path, in a small free hedge or even in a pot on the terrace. It can be combined with other hydrangeas, but also with Nandina, Mexican oranges, purple Berberis and Physocarpus, or even with silver candles which similarly appreciate partial shade. It will be absolutely superb when paired with amaranths (Amaranthus Velvet Curtains) and hastate verbenas (Verbena hastata Rosea).