I inherited this plant when my mother died. My husband says its a schefflera and has been watering it as if it were. It is not doing well – really drooping and yellowing, leaves falling off, trunk has rotted in places. Though he might give it a drink once or twice a week, my husband is very light with the water, so it never gets too wet. Im thinking its not a schefflera and needs different treatment. Any thoughts? See photos below. Thanks.
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Oak trees are prized for their bold, lobed foliage and stately form. For gardens lacking space for full-size oaks, a variety of shrubs and smaller trees bear leaves reminiscent of oak leaves but on a more compact plant Adding these oak-leaf lookalikes lends a touch of woodland elegance and provides unique texture contrast in the landscape
Oakleaf Hydrangea
One of the most striking oak-leaf mimics is oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) This deciduous shrub grows 4-6 feet tall and wide It offers
- Deeply lobed, oak-shaped leaves with rich fall color
- Large panicle flowers in white or pinkish tones
- Interesting peeling cinnamon-brown bark
Oakleaf hydrangea thrives in partial shade with moist, acidic soil. Use it as a specimen plant or massed in borders and foundations. Zones 5-9.
Chinese Fringe Flower
Also called glorybower, Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense) has leaves reminiscent of oak foliage. Added features include:
- Oak-like leaves with burgundy undersides
- Dramatic fringe-like flowers in spring
- Compact mounded form 3-6 feet high and wide
For maximum flower production, site in full sun. Grows best in zones 7-10. Makes a pretty foundation or border shrub.
Japanese Kerria
Kerria japonica sports vibrant yellow spring blooms amid bright green oak-shaped leaves Plus
- Arching stems with green stems for winter interest
- Height and width of 4-6 feet
- Shade tolerance but best flowering in sun
Use Japanese kerria in perennial beds, foundations, or mass plantings. Has good deer and drought resistance. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Oakleaf Ivy
Oakleaf ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) is a vigorous vining houseplant with indented oak-like leaves. Features include:
- Lobed, violin-shaped leaves with points
- Trailing or climbing growth habit
- Easy care for indoor pots or hanging baskets
Provide this eye-catching houseplant with average room temperatures and bright indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
Oakleaf Geranium
For oak-shaped foliage in the perennial garden, grow oakleaf geranium (Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’). It offers:
- Lobed leaves heavily edged in chartreuse
- Magenta flowers from late spring to frost
- Sprawling habit, 18-24 inches tall
Plant in full sun to light shade. Shear back after first flush of blooms for reblooming. Hardy in zones 5-8.
Datura
Lastly, consider annual datura or jimsonweed (Datura quercifolia) for big, lobed oak-like leaves and large trumpet flowers. Just beware, all parts are poisonous. Provide full sun and well-drained soil.
Adding one of these unique oak lookalikes provides an eye-catching focal point and welcome texture contrast. Use as a specimen plant or tuck them into mixed beds, borders and foundations.
How to plant a tree so that it grows 3 times faster. Root training method.
FAQ
Do oakleaf hydrangeas spread?
Can oakleaf hydrangea take full shade?
What are the weeds with oak shaped leaves?
Where are oakleaf hydrangeas native to?
What do oak leaves look like?
The leaves grow on the tree in an alternate pattern, and they’re about 6 to 12 inches long. The dark green leaves are accented with bright white veins, and they turn a golden yellow in the fall. The large rounded lobes and broad hand-shaped leaves can be easily distinguished from other species of oak. Buy Buy Oak Plant
What can you plant under an oak tree?
If you love gardening, you can choose the more complex plants that require fertilization and winter protection. However, if you don’t have time to handle these challenges, you can stick to shrubs or grasses to plant underneath your oak tree. Looking for some plants to put under your oak trees this season?
Are all oak leaves the same?
Oak trees are one of the most commonly grown ornamental trees in the garden, making them a high-demand species. However, different types of oak leaves aren’t all the same. Understanding how to identify them is helpful for home gardeners.
What do poison oak leaves look like?
Look at the leaves. Poison oak, whether it is growing as a shrub or a climbing vine, has a trifoliate leaf structure. This means that the leaves grow in sets of threes off the stem. The edges of the leaves have a wavy or scalloped appearance. As the name suggests, the leaves look a bit like oak leaves. Check the color.