NC State Extension
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Plant DetailShow Menu

Plants that fill a similar niche:
Hydrangea serrata 'Omacha Variegata'
Lagerstroemia 'Natchez'
Pterostyrax hispidus
Hydrangea quercifolia Gatsby Glow Ball® 'NCHQ1' has some common insect problems:
Twospotted Spider Mites on Landscape Plants

Hydrangea quercifolia Gatsby Glow Ball® 'NCHQ1'

Description

Gatsby Glow Ball® is a cultivar shrub in the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae) developed by Dr. Tom Ranney of NCSU. It is a compact specimen growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide.

Gatsby Glow Ball® grows best in organically rich, well-drained soils with medium moisture. It does well in full sun to part shade. The plant does need some sun in summer for best blooming. Mulching helps keep the soil moist.  Because blooming occurs on old wood, prune if needed immediately after flowering. Winter-damaged stems may be pruned in early spring.

 It blooms in summer with rounded clusters of white flowers that mature to lime green. It grows in an attractive, dense, rounded shape with the oversized oak-shaped leaves that turn red in the fall giving it three seasons of interest.

Use this hydrangea as a foundation plant, as a specimen, in groups as a low hedge or in a large patio container.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems. Aphids and spider mites are occasional visitors.  Some susceptibility to leaf blight and powdery mildew.

More information on Hydrangea quercifolia.

See this plant in the following landscape :
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#compact shrub#fall color#flowering shrub#partial shade#summer flowers#three season interest#white flowers
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#compact shrub#fall color#flowering shrub#partial shade#summer flowers#three season interest#white flowers
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hydrangea
    Species:
    quercifolia
    Family:
    Hydrangeaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Wildlife Value:
    Its flowers are attractive to butterflies and other insects. Songbirds eat the seeds.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cross
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Large clusters of white flowers that turn a lime green when mature.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Large lobed leaves with serrated margins turn red in fall.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Garden for the Blind
    Pollinator Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Songbirds