Snow Queen and Snowflake are both varieties of oakleaf hydrangeas, but they have some distinct differences. Let’s take a closer look at each variety to understand their unique characteristics.
1. Snowflake Oakleaf Hydrangea:
– Growth: Snowflake is a midsize oakleaf hydrangea that typically grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. It has a compact and rounded growth habit.
– Flowers: The standout feature of Snowflake is its oversize summer clusters of double flowers. These flowers are white and resemble snowflakes, hence the name. The double flowers give the plant a fuller and more textured appearance compared to other oakleaf hydrangeas.
– Foliage: In the fall, Snowflake oakleaf hydrangea displays beautiful foliage in shades of purple and crimson. This adds a touch of vibrant color to the landscape during the autumn season.
2. Snow Queen Oakleaf Hydrangea:
– Growth: Snow Queen is also a midsize oakleaf hydrangea, but it tends to spread more horizontally than Snowflake. It can reach a height of 4 to 5 feet, but its spreading habit can extend up to 6 feet wide. This makes it a great option for filling out larger areas in the garden.
– Flowers: The blooms of Snow Queen start off as white and gradually transition to a rosy pink color as they age. This color-changing characteristic adds visual interest and depth to the plant, creating a captivating display in the garden.
– Foliage: Like other oakleaf hydrangeas, Snow Queen showcases stunning foliage in the fall. Its leaves turn shades of purple and crimson, just like Snowflake, providing a beautiful autumnal backdrop.
While both Snowflake and Snow Queen oakleaf hydrangeas offer stunning flowers and foliage, their growth habits and flower color variations set them apart. Snowflake has a more compact growth habit and features large clusters of double white flowers, while Snow Queen spreads wider and exhibits white-to-rosy-pink color-changing blooms.
In my personal experience, I have found that Snowflake oakleaf hydrangeas work well in smaller gardens or as focal points in landscaping beds. Their abundant double flowers create a showy display that catches the eye. On the other hand, Snow Queen oakleaf hydrangeas are fantastic for larger areas where their spreading habit can fill out the space effectively. The color-changing blooms add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to the landscape.
The choice between Snowflake and Snow Queen oakleaf hydrangeas depends on the specific needs and preferences of your garden. Both varieties offer their own unique beauty and can be a wonderful addition to any landscape.
