Gatsby Moon® Hydrangea

The Gatsby Moon® Hydrangea is a Proven Winners ColorChoice® oakleaf hydrangea. The extra large shrub will grow 6 to 8 feet wide and tall! The panicle flowers start out creamy white, then turn more lime green towards the end of summer and into fall. The blooms last most of summer, which is a really nice trait of this bush. The leaves are oak shaped like other quercifolia hydrangeas, and green in color throughout the summer. In the fall the foliage turns into a dark red color that provides late season interest. These shrubs are also native to North America, which is beneficial because the shrubs will require less maintenance, and will not be invasive. Native plants are also generally better for wildlife, especially pollinators. Gatsby Moon Hydrangea Care Be sure to plant these in well-drained soil. It is best to grow these in a location that receives morning sunlight, but afternoon shade. Especially in southern locations like zones 8 and 9. If the shrub does get full-sun (sunlight over 8 hours a day), be sure to provide extra moisture and consider adding mulch as well to help retain that moisture. Some extra watering might be necessary during hot summer days and periods of drought. You can tell when the plant is getting thirsty when the leaves start to wilt. If you need to prune the Gatsby Moon Hydrangea, be sure to prune in mid-summer after the plant has bloomed. Do not prune in late fall or in winter, as this shrub blooms on old wood. So you will run the risk of cutting off next years blooms if you do prune at the wrong time. Fertilize using tree and shrub slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Use directions as indicated on the bottle. Gatsby Moon Hydrangea Spacing Space these large shrubs at least 8 feet apart, center on center. If you would like to create a privacy hedge, you can plant 6 feet apart, center on center. These shrubs are so large, that only very large garden planters can hold these shrubs.