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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Washington, D.C. » National Arboretum » Floral and Nursery Plants Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #310003
Title: 'Queen of Hearts' Oakleaf Hydrangea

Author
item Alexander, Lisa
item REED, SANDRA - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/20/2014
Publication Date: 2/26/2015
Citation: Alexander, L.W., Reed, Sandra 2015. ‘Queen of Hearts’ Oakleaf Hydrangea. HortScience. 50(2):310-311.

Interpretive Summary: A late-blooming oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) cultivar was released by the U.S. National Arboretum. ‘Queen of Hearts’ has grown 6.5 feet high and 11 feet wide in 11 years. In early summer, it is covered with 11-inch-long inflorescences that are held upright above the foliage. Flowers open white, but slowly deepen to rose. This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8 and can be grown in full sun or light shade. ‘Queen of Hearts’ is well-suited for use as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or in the shrub border. ‘Queen of Hearts’ blooms 7 to 10 days later than currently available oakleaf hydrangea cultivars. This cultivar was selected for its later bloom period and attractive flowering characteristics. Because inflorescences are held above the foliage and covered with large sepals, this cultivar offers outstanding visual appeal. ‘Queen of Hearts’ will be available to the retail market in 2015.

Technical Abstract: A late-blooming oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) cultivar was released by the U.S. National Arboretum. ‘Queen of Hearts’ has grown 6.5 feet high and 11 feet wide in 11 years. In early summer, it is covered with 11-inch-long inflorescences that are held upright above the foliage. Flowers open white, but slowly deepen to rose. This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8 and can be grown in full sun or light shade. ‘Queen of Hearts’ is well-suited for use as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or in the shrub border. ‘Queen of Hearts’ blooms 7 to 10 days later than currently available oakleaf hydrangea cultivars, and its flowers remain after those of other cultivars have faded.