Gatsby Glow Ball® Oakleaf Hydrangea

Gatsby Glow Ball® Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'NCHQ1') brings the beloved qualities of native oakleaf hydrangeas into a perfectly manageable size for today's gardens. This First Editions® selection transforms the traditional oakleaf form into a dense, rounded shrub that stays right around 4-5 feet tall and wide without constant pruning. The enormous globular white flower clusters emerge in late spring and hold their color throughout summer, gradually aging to soft pink and finally to a beautiful tan that persists into fall.

Garden Performance Through the Seasons

The flower display is genuinely impressive. Each bloom cluster forms a tight, rounded ball of white florets that can measure 8-10 inches across, creating a snow-covered effect across the entire shrub. The spherical flower form distinguishes Gatsby Glow Ball® from traditional oakleaf hydrangeas with their elongated panicles. These flowers emerge pure white and maintain their brightness for weeks before developing pink tones as they mature. The blooms are naturally fragrant with a light, sweet scent that attracts butterflies and beneficial pollinators throughout the flowering period.

Year-Round Interest

The deeply lobed, oak-shaped leaves provide rich green texture all summer, then transform into shades of burgundy, mahogany, and deep red as temperatures cool in fall. This native shrub holds its foliage color well into autumn. Even after the leaves drop, Gatsby Glow Ball® continues to shine with exfoliating bark that reveals layers of cinnamon and tan beneath, adding winter structure and interest to the landscape.

Landscape Uses

The compact, rounded growth habit makes this oakleaf hydrangea remarkably versatile. Use it as a foundation plant where its manageable size won't outgrow the space. Plant in groups of three or five for stunning impact in mixed borders or along woodland edges. The native heritage means it pairs naturally with other North American plants like ferns, heucheras, and native grasses. Container growing works beautifully for patios or entryways where you want seasonal drama up close.

Native Resilience

Being a selection of our native Hydrangea quercifolia gives Gatsby Glow Ball® natural toughness that gardeners appreciate. Once established, it handles summer heat and periodic dry spells far better than Asian hydrangea species. Deer typically leave oakleaf hydrangeas alone, and the plant adapts to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade. This adaptability combined with minimal pruning needs makes it an outstanding choice for both experienced gardeners and those just beginning to build their landscape.

Gatsby Glow Ball® delivers everything you want from an oakleaf hydrangea in a size that fits modern gardens, with months of spectacular blooms, gorgeous fall color, and the satisfaction of growing a native plant that supports local ecosystems.