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oakleaf hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

Oakleaf Hydrangea is an attractive deciduous shrub native to the American South. Bold, large, oak-shaped leaves give this hardy plant an almost tropical appearance. Leaves emerge light green in spring, darken to a deep green, then turn the most beautiful shade of deep red in fall. This shrub pleases through all the seasons: peeling cinnamon-colored bark nicely complements the dried flower panicles.

Flowers on old wood; prune just after flowering to maintain shape if desired.

'Ruby Slippers' is a perfect option for smaller gardens as it reaches only a few feet high and wide. Large white panicles of flowers quickly turn pink then slowly mature to a deep ruby hue.

*Hardy to zone 5, but should be sited in a protected location or otherwise protected in the first few years as it becomes fully established.

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Height: 2 to 4 ft.
Spread: 2 to 5 ft.
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Conditions: Average, medium, well-drained soil
Bloom Time: June to July
Bloom Color: White to Pink
Native Range: Southeastern United States

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  • Special Characteristics:

    • Flowering
    • Outstanding fall color
    • Winter interest
    • Beautiful bark
  • Image Credits:

    Image 1 (white bloom) F. D. Richards from Clinton, MI, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Image 2 (red bloom) Wikiproject1400 at en.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
    Image 3 (foliage) Ali McEnhill at The Old Dairy 

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