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Gatsby Glow Ball® Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Gatsby Glow Ball'

  • Massive Ball-Shaped Blooms Transform from Glowing White to Lime-Green Throughout the Season
  • Thrives in Zones 5-9
  • Excellent Hedge or Mass Planting
  • Medium-Growing in Partial Shade
Regular price $9324
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In Stock
Outside your zone (): not guaranteed Why

Rated for zones 5 to 9. Great in a pot brought indoors for winter, or as an annual.

Houseplant: grows indoors in any zone
Will it grow in your garden?

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Plant Size

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Drought resistant, Hedge/Screen, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone 5a to 9b
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Preferred Soil Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Habit Bushy, Compact, Upright
Blooms In Spring, Summer
Flower Color White
Foliage Color Green
Pet Safety Toxic to pets
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Hydrangea
Botanical Name Hydrangea quercifolia 'NCHQ1'
Species quercifolia
Cultivar NCHQ1
Class Magnoliopsida, Cornales
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR
This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.
J
Jessica (United States)
Plants are in poor condition and look neglected

Plants are in poor condition and look neglected. Both plants have one singular branch with some leaves, mostly dry, and absolutely no flowers.

H
Helen (United States)
My order arrived well packed so plants were protected

My order arrived well packed so plants were protected. Quality of plants were as advertised.

Gatsby Pink oakleaf hydrangea travels well when it's packed right, and it's good to hear both boxes checked on arrival. These plants put on a nice show as they mature, so give them a little patience through the first season while they settle in. Thanks for planting with us, Helen. The Nature Hills Team

G
Gary (United States)
Nice size plant for the money

Nice size plant for the money. A little beat up from transit but was expected. Pruning of plant as it grew was a little disappointing. Cross over branching and incorrect directional pruning leaves me having to correct in the fall.

G
Guest
Skeptical About Ordering Online.

This was the first time I ordered anything from Nature Hills Nursery on line, site unseen but I have ordered from other on line nurseries. I read the reviews by others to see what their experience was with mixed results. Nature Hills was the only nursery that had the larger container size that I was looking for. They had the #3 container so I ordered 3 of them. I was not sure how they would ship to me or what shape they would arrive in. They arrived well packaged with plastic bags around the container to hold in the root ball and dirt as well as keep them moist. I was very pleased with the size of the plant as I was concerned that it would be a small specimen re-planted into a larger #3 container, so I was pleased when that was not the case. They arrived with some bent branches and broken leafs but that was to be expected in shipment other than that they were in excellent condition. I followed the instructions that came with them and also kept them on a covered patio for a couple of days to observe them before moving them into place. They seem to be doing great. I would order again from this vendor.

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful and detailed experience with us! We completely understand the uncertainties that come with ordering plants online, especially when you’re unable to see them before making a purchase. It’s wonderful to hear that our #3 containers met your expectations, and that the plants arrived healthy and well-packed.

We appreciate your kind acknowledgment of the careful packaging—keeping root balls secure and moist during transit is something we take seriously to ensure the plants arrive as healthy as possible. Bent branches and a few broken leaves can be an unfortunate but sometimes unavoidable part of shipping, so you handled that perfectly by following the care instructions and observing them on your covered patio. It sounds like your attentive care is exactly what your new plants needed to thrive!

Should you ever have more questions or need guidance about your new plants, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always here to provide personalized plant care tips and support. You might also enjoy browsing our blog and care guides for helpful information and inspiration.

We look forward to welcoming you back whenever you're ready to add to your garden again.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

G
Guest
Skeptical About Ordering Online.

This was the first time I ordered anything from Nature Hills Nursery on line, site unseen but I have ordered from other on line nurseries. I read the reviews by others to see what their experience was with mixed results. Nature Hills was the only nursery that had the larger container size that I was looking for. They had the #3 container so I ordered 3 of them. I was not sure how they would ship to me or what shape they would arrive in. They arrived well packaged with plastic bags around the container to hold in the root ball and dirt as well as keep them moist. I was very pleased with the size of the plant as I was concerned that it would be a small specimen re-planted into a larger #3 container, so I was pleased when that was not the case. They arrived with some bent branches and broken leafs but that was to be expected in shipment other than that they were in excellent condition. I followed the instructions that came with them and also kept them on a covered patio for a couple of days to observe them before moving them into place. They seem to be doing great. I would order again from this vendor.

Hello Guest,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed experience with Nature Hills Nursery. We completely understand the natural hesitations that come with ordering plants online, especially when size and condition upon arrival are such important factors. We’re thrilled to hear that your #3 container plants arrived in good condition, correctly sized, and well-packaged to preserve their roots and moisture during transit.

It’s also great that you wisely gave them a couple of days to rest on a covered patio—that really helps newly shipped plants acclimate and recover from any minor damage such as bent branches or leaves. Continuing to follow the care instructions you received will surely keep your new additions healthy and thriving.

If you ever have any questions about your current plants or want advice on planting or care, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You’ve made a wonderful choice by ordering those larger specimens with us, and we look forward to assisting you with your gardening journey again.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

J
JKR
native plant

I like to use native plants as much as I can in my landscape and Gatsby Gal is native to America and beautiful besides..

G
Gin
fall color

The burgundy leaf color in the fall really lights up my yard. Flowers are good also.

Hi Gin,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with the Gatsby Pink® Oakleaf Hydrangea! We’re thrilled to hear that its stunning burgundy fall color adds such vibrant charm to your yard and that the flowers are meeting your expectations as well. Oakleaf hydrangeas truly shine in multiple seasons, don’t they?

If you ever want tips on encouraging bigger blooms or maintaining that rich foliage color, feel free to reach out. Providing partial shade and well-drained soil can really enhance both flower production and foliage health. Also, a yearly mulch and a balanced fertilizer can help keep your plant thriving year after year.

We’re grateful you chose Nature Hills for this beautiful addition to your garden and look forward to helping with anything else you might be growing!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

D
Don
pruning

This is a great plant but I ruined 1 whole season of blooms by pruning in early spring. I learned the hard way.

Hi Don,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Gatsby Pink® Oakleaf Hydrangea! We truly appreciate your honesty and are glad to hear you love the plant overall. It’s easy to see how early spring pruning could affect the bloom cycle, as these hydrangeas generally set their flower buds on old wood.

For the future, pruning right after the blooms fade—typically in late summer—helps encourage healthy growth without sacrificing the season’s flowers. If you need seasonal pruning guides or tips on plant care to get the best out of your hydrangea, feel free to explore our blog or reach out anytime; we’re always happy to help you grow your gardening confidence.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Jkr
native plant

I like to use native plants as much as I can in my landscape and Gatsby Gal is native to America and beautiful besides..

Dear Jkr,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about the Gatsby Gal® Oakleaf Hydrangea! We truly appreciate your commitment to using native plants—they play such an important role in supporting local ecosystems while enhancing the natural beauty of your landscape. It’s wonderful to hear you find this particular hydrangea both beautiful and suited to your garden.

Since you enjoy native species, you might also be interested in other American natives that thrive well alongside Gatsby Gal® such as Spicebush, American Beautyberry, or Maryland Sweetleaf. These natives offer diverse texture and seasonal interest while bolstering local wildlife.

If you ever need tips on nurturing your Oakleaf or selecting companion natives, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your native planting efforts succeed!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Gatsby Glow Ball® Oakleaf Hydrangea suitable for?

  • The Gatsby Glow Ball® Oakleaf Hydrangea is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. This wide hardiness range makes it suitable for most temperate climates across the United States. Plant it in your garden for reliable four-season beauty that can withstand winter temperatures down to -20°F.

What type of soil does the Gatsby Glow Ball® Oakleaf Hydrangea need to thrive?

  • Gatsby Glow Ball® Oakleaf Hydrangea thrives in moist, well-drained soil and adapts well to various conditions. Once established, it's notably more drought tolerant than other hydrangea types. Mulch generously to retain moisture and protect shallow roots.

Is the Gatsby Glow Ball® Oakleaf Hydrangea deer resistant?

  • Oakleaf hydrangeas like Gatsby Glow Ball® are generally deer resistant due to their coarse, textured foliage that deer typically avoid. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, this native shrub's tough leaves make it less appealing than softer alternatives. Plant it in your Zones 5-9 garden with confidence.

What plants pair well with Gatsby Glow Ball® Oakleaf Hydrangea in the landscape?

  • Gatsby Glow Ball® pairs beautifully with native woodland plants like ferns, coral bells, and astilbe that thrive in similar part-shade conditions. Its compact 3-4 ft. size works well with taller native companions such as redbud trees or spicebush. Plant with spring bulbs for early interest before the hydrangea leafs out.

How long does the blooming period last for this oakleaf hydrangea?

  • Gatsby Glow Ball® blooms from early to mid-summer, with flowers persisting into fall as they age from white to lime-green. The dried blooms even provide winter interest. For best flower production, avoid pruning until after blooming since it flowers on old wood.