Growing only 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, 'Sikes Dwarf' is a great addition to an urban shade garden, as it’s half the size of most quercifolias. Lobed and closely spaced, the handsome broad foliage shows off abundant ivory-colored conical blooms. Foliage turns a deep, rich burgundy in the fall, and the flowers tinge to the softist pink as they age. Its smaller stature also means it fits in the shady perennial border with ease.
Grow in well-drained, loamy soil in part to full, filtered shade. Adaptive to soil type and pH. Water need depends in part on soil and exposure, but given a well-drained loamy soil in filtered light, watering needs are regular, though periodic. Because it blooms on its old wood, the plant should not be pruned until after flowering. Oakleaf hydrangea is very cold hardy and doesn't die-back like H. arborescens 'Annabelle.'