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Family: Hydrangea
Type: Shrub
Other Common Name: Oak Leaf Hydrangea
Ruby Slippers Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’) is a striking ornamental shrub known for its spectacular display of large, dense flower spikes that transform from white to a deep ruby red as they age. This compact oakleaf hydrangea variety, reaching only 3 to 4 feet in height and spread, is an excellent choice for small gardens or as a standout feature in larger landscapes. Its unique foliage, which resembles that of an oak tree, offers added visual interest, turning from green to mahogany red in the fall.
Adapted to thrive in a range of conditions, Ruby Slippers Hydrangea performs best in partial shade to full sun and prefers well-drained, moist soil. This hardy shrub is notable not just for its floral beauty but also for its resilience, being drought-tolerant once established and capable of blooming reliably each year. Its ability to adapt to various climates and settings makes it a versatile addition to any garden.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Ruby Slippers Hydrangea attracts pollinators, adding a buzz of life to the garden. Whether used in mass plantings for a dramatic effect, in mixed borders for depth and texture, or as a specimen plant for focal interest, Ruby Slippers brings a touch of elegance and color. Its long-lasting blooms and striking fall foliage ensure that this hydrangea remains a garden highlight throughout the seasons.
Hardiness Zone: 4b-9b
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Full sun to shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Average Height (feet): 4
Average Spread (feet): 5
Average Life Span (years): 30
Form: Upright spreading
Flower Color: Pink
Secondary Flower Color: White
Bloom Season: From early to mid summer
Foliage Color: Green
Leaf Fall Color: Red
Foliage Shape: Lobed
Bark Color: Brick Red
Bark Texture: Peeling
Integrating Ruby Slippers Hydrangea into your landscape design can dramatically enhance the garden’s beauty and interest. Planting it in groups or as a border creates a stunning visual effect, with the changing colors of the blooms adding dynamic appeal. This hydrangea’s compact growth habit allows for versatile placement, even in smaller gardens.
Pairing Ruby Slippers Hydrangea with other shade-loving plants can create a rich tapestry of textures and colors. Consider combining it with ferns, hostas, or astilbes to create a layered, lush look in shaded areas. The contrast between the hydrangea’s bold blooms and the subtle greens and textures of companion plants enriches the garden’s palette.
For a bold and beautiful garden theme, use Ruby Slippers Hydrangea as the centerpiece in a red-themed garden. Surround it with plants featuring red flowers or foliage to highlight its ruby-red blooms, creating a cohesive and striking garden design that captivates and delights.
Ruby Slippers Hydrangea is perfectly at home in woodland garden settings, where its naturalistic look complements the surrounding greenery, and its tolerance for shade thrives.
In cottage gardens, the informal growth habit and stunning blooms of Ruby Slippers Hydrangea add charm and a splash of color, blending well with the eclectic mix of flowers and plants.
For modern gardens, Ruby Slippers Hydrangea offers a touch of tradition with its classic blooms, while its compact size and dramatic color change provide a contemporary twist, making it suitable for sleek, design-forward spaces.
Create a serene retreat by planting Ruby Slippers Hydrangea along a garden path or seating area. Its calming presence and evolving colors offer a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and contemplation.
Design a living bouquet by grouping Ruby Slippers Hydrangea with other hydrangeas of varying colors. This approach creates a vibrant and varied display that mimics a hand-picked bouquet, offering visual delight throughout the blooming season.
Incorporate Ruby Slippers Hydrangea into a foundation planting to enhance curb appeal. Its compact size and stunning blooms make it an excellent choice for adding beauty to the front of your home without obstructing views.
In spring, Ruby Slippers Hydrangea begins to leaf out, providing a fresh, green backdrop for the early blooms that signal the start of the growing season.
Summer unveils the hydrangea's full glory, with blooms transitioning from white to deep ruby red, creating a striking display that lasts for weeks.
As fall approaches, the foliage of Ruby Slippers Hydrangea turns to shades of mahogany red, offering a final burst of color before the winter dormancy period.
In winter, the bare branches of Ruby Slippers Hydrangea add structural interest to the garden, with the peeling bark providing texture and contrast against the winter landscape.
Nepeta x faassenii 'Cat's Pajamas'
Echinacea purpurea
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Ruby Slippers Hydrangea excels in areas receiving morning sunlight and afternoon shade. It’s particularly suited for spots that offer protection from the intense heat of the afternoon sun.
This hydrangea variety thrives in partial sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter regions to prevent stress.
Plant in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Ruby Slippers Hydrangea prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH but is adaptable to various soil types.
Space plants about 4-5 feet apart to allow for their mature spread and ensure good air circulation, which promotes plant health.
The best time to plant is in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler, allowing the plant to establish itself without the stress of extreme heat or cold.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, fill it with soil, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Water deeply once a week, more often during hot, dry periods.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring tailored for flowering shrubs. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to more foliage at the expense of blooms.
Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year’s stems to encourage fresh growth and more abundant flowers.
Remove any winter protection, apply mulch, and fertilize to support new growth. This is also the time to prune to shape the plant and encourage healthy new growth.
Monitor water needs, especially in dry conditions, to keep the soil moist. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool.
Prepare the plant for winter by reducing watering as the plant begins to go dormant. Clean up any fallen leaves to keep the area around the plant tidy.
In colder zones, apply a protective layer of mulch after the ground freezes to protect the roots. No additional winter care is typically necessary in milder climates.
Hydrangea paniculata DVPPinky
Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacfive'
Unlike some hydrangea varieties, Ruby Slippers Hydrangea’s bloom color is primarily determined by its genetics, not soil pH. Its flowers transition from white to ruby red regardless of soil acidity.
Ruby Slippers Hydrangea typically reaches its full size of 3-4 feet tall and wide within 2-4 years, depending on growing conditions and care.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, Ruby Slippers Hydrangea is less palatable to deer compared to some other garden plants. However, in areas with high deer pressure, additional protective measures may be necessary.
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