isolated subject in gardens, it is at its best in a natural or landscaped woodland habitat against the backdrop of larger shrubs and trees. It prefers partial to almost full shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade as optimal. It will tolerate drought, but may not flower. It prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH of 5.0–6.5. In the UK the cultivars =‘Brido’ and =‘Flemygea’ have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Its hardiness is USDA Zones 5–9, with 'Snow Queen' hardy to Zone 5, while some other cultivars may not be. Propagation is via cutting or division; short sections of clustered stems with some root attached will make a small shrub in a nursery row. Fresh or dry, the blossoms of Hydrangea quercifolia are attractive as cut flowers. Symbolism Hydrangea quercifolia was declared the official state wildflower of Alabama in 1999. Gallery References External links Georgia Wildlife Federation: Hydrangea quercifolia Hydrangea Thoughts I: Essay on Hydrangeas - Culture, History and Etymology. — (non-scholarly but informative) Hydrangeas.com: Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia — Information on growing Oakleaf hydrangeas Heronswood Nursery: "Hydrangea Care and Culture" quercifolia Flora of the Southeastern United States Garden plants of North America Shrubs Symbols of Alabama