I was visiting my Mother at the Hospital and have seen this plant with White Spike Flowers, does anyone know what it is? I think it's so pretty.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h249/deedee49/huntflower1.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h249/deedee49/huntflower2.jpg

Thanks,
Denise

The Oakleaf hydrangea is one of the few hydrangeas native to the United States (H. arborescens being the only other native of which I am aware).

The Oakleaf hydrangea is a dramatic, white-blooming shrub with four seasons of interest. It blooms best in areas where summers are somewhat hot, but it is winter hardy further north than the macrophylla (mophead). A tremendous advantage of the Oakleaf is that it can thrive in much dryer locations than its cousins. Mopheads struggle in my sandy soil, but the Oakleaf hydrangeas thrive with very little attention.

At this time the Oakleaf can be purchased in two main forms - the single blossom types and the, so called, double blossom type. 'Snowflake' is the most common variety with blooms that appear to be double. (I have recently heard 'Harmony' called double also)

Double Single

The Oakleaf gets its name from the shape of its beautiful large leaves. These leaves often turn colors of brilliant red, orange, yellow and burgundy in the fall if planted in a sunny location with a little afternoon shade. The Oakleaf hydrangea can tolerate and even thrive in much sunnier areas than the mophead and lacecaps (macrophyllas).

Yes, that is exactly what it is, thanks so much! I fell in love with the Oakleaf hydrangea and now I have to see where I can plant one. I'm sure it will do fine on Long Island.

Thanks!!
Denise