Central TexasGardening
CTG PLANT SCORE™

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia

Much more realistic than classic hydrangeas, especially with shade and better soil.

Non-nativeShrubModerate water
69Possible with the right site
WHY IT SCORES 69

Possible with the right site

Summer heat
71
Drought
52
Central Texas soil
58
Freeze resilience
92
Wildlife value
72
Low-maintenance fit
72
EASIER ALTERNATIVES

Want less drama?

97/100

Yaupon Holly

Evergreen, adaptable, wildlife-friendly and almost offensively competent in Central Texas.

96/100

Texas Sage

Heat, limestone and drought barely register as problems.

95/100

Agarita

Spiny, native and exceptionally well matched to rocky Central Texas conditions.

TRANSPARENT SCORE

This is a CTG suitability model, not a scientific certification.

Use the factor breakdown to understand the tradeoff. Plant-source references and methodology are published so the score can be challenged and improved.

Plant scoring methodology →