Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey'

Little Honey Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’ is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its bright golden-yellow oak-shaped foliage, which emerges vivid chartreuse to gold in spring and softens to greenish-yellow in summer before turning red, orange, and burgundy in fall. This oakleaf hydrangea blooms in early to mid-summer with upright white flower panicles that gradually age to soft pink and tan. Its colorful foliage makes it especially ornamental even when not in bloom.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: Width: 3–4 ft · Height: 3–4 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–9b

Form: Compact, rounded

Light: Part shade to morning sun; best foliage color with some sun

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Water: Medium; prefers regular moisture during establishment

Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for woodland gardens, borders, foundation plantings, and smaller shaded landscapes where bright foliage provides season-long contrast. The compact size makes it especially useful near walkways or in mixed shrub plantings.

Care:
Plant in fertile, organic-rich soil with mulch to conserve moisture. Prune only after flowering if shaping is needed, since flower buds form on old wood. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hotter locations to prevent leaf scorch.

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

3-4'

Width

3-4'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Mid Summer

Flower color

Pink, White

Leaf color

Green, Sunglow

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Border, Container, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact, Rounded

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No