Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea

Dwarf Size, Fiery Color, Huge Blooms

The Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers') is a compact, cold-hardy Oakleaf Hydrangea that delivers big color for small spaces. This dwarf flowering shrub produces massive cone-shaped flower clusters that begin white, then blush to pink, and deepen into a rich ruby red by late summer. The sturdy stems hold blooms upright through wind and rain, and the deeply lobed dark green foliage turns spicy mahogany red in fall for even more visual impact.

Despite its smaller size, Ruby Slippers makes a big statement! This dense shrub grows just 3 to 4 feet tall and wide with an upright, rounded habit. The 9-inch flower spikes shoot above the foliage for an eye-catching display. Winter interest comes from exfoliating bark and dried flower heads that persist through the cold months. It is both beautiful and useful in fresh-cut arrangements or dried décor.

Key Features

• Huge white blooms mature to bright pink and deep ruby red
• Compact 3 to 4 foot size fits small gardens and containers
• Mahogany-red fall foliage adds fiery autumn color
• Great for fresh or dried flower arrangements
• Exfoliating bark adds texture for winter appeal
• Cold and heat-tolerant in USDA zones 5 to 9
• Strong stems resist flopping in storms
• Butterfly and pollinator friendly
• Deer resistant and low maintenance

Landscaping Uses

With a tidy 3 to 4-foot form and multi-stemmed habit, Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea fits effortlessly into small yards or large designs that need compact power. Ideal for use in small spaces, containers, woodland borders, or foundation plantings, Ruby Slippers Hydrangea is as versatile as it is stunning!

• Spectacular specimen or accent plant
• Curb appeal booster in foundation plantings
• Perfect for containers and patio planters
• Lovely Hydrangea for shaded woodland gardens
• Use along tree lines or garden paths
• Beautiful border or informal hedge
• Adds color to cutting gardens and floral designs
• Fantastic in pollinator and native plant gardens

Care and Maintenance

This North American native is well adapted to a wide range of climates and thrives in USDA growing zones 5 through 9. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, organically rich soil. This deciduous dwarf shrub is an easy-care Oakleaf Hydrangea that requires minimal effort once established. It is a strong grower with lasting color and low water needs once mature.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall. See how here!
• Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade; afternoon shade is helpful in hot climates
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soil; tolerates acidic and clay soils
• Moisture Needs: Enjoys consistent moisture, especially in summer heat
• Mulch: Apply a 3 to 4 inch layer of arborist mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
• Fertilization Needs: Use a slow-release fertilizer for blooming or acid-loving plants in early spring
• Pruning Info: Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom on old wood; prune immediately after flowering if needed. Remove winter-damaged stems in early spring
• Renewal Pruning: Rarely needed thanks to compact size
• Special Needs/Perks:
• Deer-resistant
• Heat-tolerant, cold-hardy, and handles humidity
• Tolerant of acidic soil and urban conditions

Click Your Heels for Ruby Slippers

With huge ruby-red blooms, spicy fall foliage, and a compact size that fits almost anywhere, Ruby Slippers Hydrangea brings big drama without the bulk. Whether you're creating a cottage garden, enhancing a patio, or adding a magical focal point to your front yard, this easy-care native shrub delivers year-round beauty. Buy yours today! Nature Hills will ship at the right planting time for your growing zone.