Oakleaf hydrangea, native to the southeast United States is a stiffly upright shrub that can attain heights of 4 to 6 feet. Use it in the shrub border or in a lightly wooded area. The glossy, lobed, deep-green leaves in spring and summer give way to a mix of red, purple, and bronze fall color. The flowers of the oakleaf hydrangea are white and turn to purplish-pink in midsummer. The flowers, which are less showy for the species, are borne on upright panicles. Click on the cultivar icon to learn about cultivars with better flowers. The oakleaf hydrangea is a shrub with four seasons of interest, unique leaves, interesting flowers, fall color, cinnamon-brown peeling bark, and handsome foliage in summer and fall.