Gatsby Star™ Oakleaf hydrangea

Gatsby Star® is the trade selection for ‘Doughill’, an oakleaf hydrangea with doubled, lacy white flowers whose pointed petals form star-like panicles. The deciduous shrub reaches 6–8 feet in both height and spread, and its green foliage develops burgundy fall color. [Proven Winners’ cultivar page](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/gatsby-star-oakleaf-hydrangea-hydrangea-quercifolia) records these traits and the cultivar identity; Canada’s [official variety record](https://active.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pbrpov/cropreport/hydr/app00008911e.shtml) lists the trade name Gatsby’s Star. ## Landscape Use Give this medium shrub room to spread in a woodland garden or mixed planting. Its distinctive flower panicles provide a detailed focal feature in summer, while the foliage adds a second season of color. ## Site and Seasonal Interest Choose part sun to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Flowers bloom in early to late summer and open white; the petals may take on pink tones in fall. Green leaves turn burgundy as autumn advances. The [NC State oakleaf hydrangea guide](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-quercifolia/) describes the species’ broad site needs and seasonal character. ## Maintenance Gatsby Star blooms on old wood. Avoid routine shaping before bloom; if needed, selectively prune after flowering so developing buds remain for next season. Water during establishment and dry spells, and mulch to maintain even soil moisture.