Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Pee Wee’

‘Pee Wee’ is an oakleaf hydrangea cultivar which is most noted for its compact size (typically grows to 3-4′ tall and 3′ wide). It is an upright, deciduous shrub with a rounded habit. ‘Pee Wee’ differs from the species in that it grows much smaller with smaller leaves and smaller flower panicles, and has a more restrained habit with less frequent suckering. Elongated, pyramidal panicles of mostly sterile flowers appear in early summer and bloom for 6-8 weeks. Flowers emerge white, gradually fade to pink and turn brown by late summer with good persistence of the brown seed panicles into winter. Distinctive, deeply-lobed, somewhat coarse, deep green, oak-like leaves (to 5" long) turn attractive shades of bronze, maroon and purple in autumn. Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark which is attractive in winter.