Sikes Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea or Hydrangea quercifolia 'Sikes Dwarf' is native to the Southeast part of the United States. Sikes delivers cone-shaped blooms that start as white to light pink and deepen to a kind of magenta color as the blooms age starting early summer. Sikes is even smaller that Ruby Slippers is a great choice for small spaces and planting in containers. Cinnamon colored, exfoliating bark remains attractive all winter long. The beautiful oak-shaped leaves add interest all season long, shifting to bronze, purple, and red at the season’s end. It is native to the southeastern United States, in woodland habitats from North Carolina west to Tennessee, and south to Florida and Louisiana. They are host plants for the Hydrangea Sphinx Moth and the Hydrangea leaf-tier moth. Care Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry. Prefers organically rich, well-drained soils, with shelter from harsh afternoon sun (partial shade). Water deeply, regularly during first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Fertilize regularly during growing season. Best grown in zones 5-9. Growth Habit Moderate growing; reaches 3ft tall, 4ft wide. Deciduous. Blooms on old wood; prune to shape in summer after flowering (meaning it sets its flower buds for the following year during the summer). To ensure the best blooms, prune only immediately after flowering in mid-to-late summer. Toxicity The leaves, buds, flowers, and bark all contain the toxin, so if your dog munches any part of your hydrangeas, he could get sick. Hydrangeas also are toxic to other pets like cats and horses. Hydrangeas are not deer or rabbit resistant.
