Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia 'JoAnn'

Proven Winners®

Gatsby Pink™ Blooms Stay Vibrant Pink All Season, Unlike PH-Sensitive Hydrangeas
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies
Showy White, Pink Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Ideal for Hedge or Mass Planting

$26¹⁴

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most vibrant pink flower color and deep burgundy fall foliage, plant in full sun to partial shade with at least 6 hours of direct light. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade prevents the large leaves from wilting during the peak heat of the day.
Soil: These hydrangeas thrive in rich, well drained soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or plant in a raised mound to keep the "feet" of the plant out of standing water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Gatsby Pink™ twice a week to ensure the root system anchors deeply into the soil. Once established, this variety is more drought tolerant than other hydrangeas, though inconsistent watering can lead to smaller flower panicles and premature leaf drop. Aim for deep soakings at the base of the plant rather than frequent light sprinkles to encourage a resilient root structure.

Pruning Tips

This shrub blooms on "old wood," meaning it sets its flower buds for next year during the late summer and fall. To avoid cutting off next year’s show, only prune immediately after the flowers fade in mid summer. Think of this like a light haircut to maintain shape or remove dead wood, which allows the plant to focus its energy on new growth and future blooms.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this can stimulate soft, green growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. Proper feeding ensures the stems stay strong enough to hold up the heavy, color changing flower clusters without flopping.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Drought resistant, Hedge/Screen, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	6-8 ft
Width	6-8 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Medium
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Upright
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	White, Pink
Foliage Color	Green, Red, Other
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Hydrangea
Botanical Name	Hydrangea quercifolia 'JoAnn'
Species	quercifolia
Cultivar	JoAnn
Class	Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The great Gatsby Pink® Hydrangea bush (Hydrangea quercifolia 'JoAnn') is an unforgettable Oakleaf Hydrangea that is a stunner all summer long! The large, nodding florets are a rich pink and bloom on extra tall wands, from summer and continuing into fall. The oak-shaped leaves are lush and pretty all season, too. When the air begins to turn crisp in the fall, they take on an eye-catching burgundy shade that adds depth and drama to your garden.

The blooms are not pH sensitive and keep that gorgeous pink hue until fall, when they pale out to tan and persist for fall and winter interest. Pollinators will adore the blossoms and you may even have a chance at attracting a hummingbird or two! You'll love the textured green leaves, even when these lovely shrubs are not in bloom.

Gatsby Pink® is a Proven Winners® ColorChoice®. This means that it was chosen for its performance as well as its beauty. It must be rigorously tested in trial gardens all over the world and prove itself to be healthy and vigorous as well as colorful. Thriving throughout USDA growing zones 5 through 9, these large shrubs can obtain a mature height of 6-8 feet tall and a similar mature spread, making them fantastic shelterbelts for birds and wildlife, screening and privacy.

Planting and Application:

These are an impressive foundation and privacy hedge shrub! The handsome leaves and rounded form are perfect against your home or an outbuilding to soften edges. Use along your property lines for screening from nosy neighbors, or to easily block an unsightly view. Hide the HVAC unit or a utility box with a single well-placed bush. For a neat specimen, limb up the lower branches and expose the multi-stemmed framework for a unique tree-form accent!

Fantastic backdrops in the garden and mixed shrub border, plant these throughout your landscape in groupings or in staggered rows for an informal look. Or go for the gusto and plant a row that divides your front yard from the sidewalk for some serenity and noise dampening. Cutting gardens, Cottage borders and as focal points and anchors, Gatsby Pink® can do it all!

Tall Pink Flowers All Summer Long
Big Textured Oakleaf Shaped Foliage
Use For Fresh or Dried Bouquets & Décor
Wonderful Burgundy Fall Color
Foundation Plantings, Hedge, Privacy & Screening, & Specimen

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Oakleaf Hydrangea handles most soil types, as long as they are well-drained. Gatsby Pink® does fine in sun or part shade. In the south, it appreciates afternoon shade and in the north, it prefers full sun, as long as it is protected from the coldest winds. Plant in soil that's well-drained and enriched. Mulch the root system well and maintain moderate yet consistent moisture all growing season. It blooms on old growth, so prune it after it finishes blooming in late summer.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moist Soil & Arborist Mulch
Prune Oakleaf Hydrangeas After Blooms Fade
Any Well-Drained Soil
Bloom Color Isn't pH-Sensitive

This great Hydrangea is one of the most adaptable shrubs on the market today! A little care goes a long way and this hardy new selection of the incredible native Hydrangea will reward you with plush blooms all summer! Order one from the Hydrangea experts at NatureHills.com today!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea grow well in my zone 4 garden, or is it only for zones 5-9?

Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea is hardy in zones 5-9, so it won't survive zone 4 winters. This variety needs the milder conditions of zone 5 or warmer to thrive and produce its signature pink blooms. Consider hardier hydrangea options for your zone 4 garden.

How much sun or shade does Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea need—full sun, partial shade, or something else?

Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea performs best in partial shade to dappled sunlight. Too much direct sun can stress the large leaves, while deep shade reduces flowering. Plant where it gets morning sun and afternoon protection for optimal blooms and foliage color through zones 5-9.

What type of soil is best for planting Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea, and does it need well-drained soil?

Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil but adapts to various soil types. Unlike other hydrangeas, its pink blooms aren't pH sensitive, so soil acidity won't affect flower color. Plant in zones 5-9 with good drainage to prevent root rot.

How should I water and mulch Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea after planting?

Water deeply twice weekly for the first growing season to establish the root system. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base, keeping it 6 inches from the stem to prevent rot and pest issues.

When and how do I prune Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea, since it blooms on old wood?

Prune Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea immediately after blooms fade in late summer, since it flowers on old wood. Remove spent flower heads and any dead or crossing branches. For tree form, limb up lower branches to expose the multi-stemmed framework. Shop Nature Hills for this Proven Winners selection.

What fertilizer does Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea require in spring?

Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea performs best with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring before new growth begins. Since blooms aren't pH sensitive, focus on general shrub nutrition rather than soil amendments. Apply fertilizer around the drip line in zones 5-9 for optimal summer flowering.

Is Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea susceptible to diseases like phytophthora root rot?

Oakleaf hydrangeas like Gatsby Pink™ can develop phytophthora root rot in poorly drained soils, though they're generally more resilient than other hydrangea types. This disease thrives in waterlogged conditions and can cause wilting and root decay. Plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent issues.

How long until Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea reaches maturity and starts blooming reliably?

Gatsby Pink™ Oakleaf Hydrangea typically begins blooming reliably in its second year after planting and reaches full maturity at 6-8 feet in 5-7 years. The large pink flower clusters bloom from summer through fall in zones 5-9. Give it consistent water the first two seasons to establish strong roots for best flowering performance.