Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

Plants that Work®

Shrub

$37³²

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight for the best deep red fall color. In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent the large leaves from wilting or scorching during the peak heat of the day.
Soil: Plant in rich, well drained soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or plant in a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Ruby Slippers twice a week to ensure the root system establishes deeply. Once mature, these shrubs are surprisingly drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during dry spells will lead to smaller flower panicles and drooping foliage. Think of consistent moisture as the fuel that keeps those massive blooms looking crisp and upright all summer.

Pruning Tips

Because Ruby Slippers blooms on "old wood," you should only prune immediately after the flowers fade in late summer. Avoid pruning in late winter or spring, as you will accidentally cut off the buds already set for the upcoming season. Use a "selective thinning" approach by removing dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation and maintain its compact, rounded shape.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that can be easily killed by the first frost. A single application of an all purpose garden food usually provides all the nutrients needed for vibrant bloom production and sturdy stems.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7	Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12	Week of February 15th

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Botanical Name

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

3-4 ft
Width

3-5 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Red
- Pink
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
- Red
- Orange
Fall Color

Mahogony Red
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
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Growing Zones 5-9

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I saw some bad reviews of this company after I ordered and got nervous

I saw some bad reviews of this company after I ordered and got nervous. I recieved a beautiful plant. Packaged wonderfully It definitely would have been my fault if it died. It is the end of the growing season so its not putting out a bunch of new growth, but it still looks very healthy.

Hi there, Thank you for taking a chance on us despite your initial concerns! We are thrilled that your experience exceeded expectations and appreciate you sharing your honest feedback. Reviews like yours help other hesitant customers buy with confidence. Thank you - Nature Hills Customer Support

The plant looks full and happy! I can’t wait to

The plant looks full and happy! I can’t wait to plant it!

Hi Susan, Thank you for leaving us a glowing review! We strive to make sure plants arrive in great condition and are happy to hear your Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea arrived beautifully! Happy Planting - Nature Hills Customer Support

How do I get two new bushes to replace the ones that are dead?

Hello! I am hoping the bushes will thrive after a day or two. Two of the eight don’t look like they’ll survive. Also, I never received a notification that they were being delivered. They just showed up at my door. I’m excited to grow those beautiful bushes in my yard! Thank you!

hedge

Ruby Slippers makes a really nice hedge and the fall color is a bonus.

Dear Helen,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Ruby Slippers Hydrangea! We’re delighted to hear that it’s making such a lovely hedge in your garden and that you’re enjoying its beautiful fall color — truly a wonderful bonus that adds seasonal interest.

If you haven’t already, for optimal hedge health and enhanced fall foliage, consider placing your Ruby Slippers in well-drained soil with ample sunlight, as this can encourage vibrant coloring and strong growth. Regular pruning after blooming will also help maintain its shape and promote a fuller hedge.

Should you have any questions about care or future plantings to complement your Ruby Slippers, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden flourish!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

easy to care for

I do not prune my Pink Slippers and the shrub looks great every year.

Dear Mr. W.,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with your Ruby Slippers Hydrangea! We're delighted to hear that your shrub looks great year after year even without pruning. This lovely and low-maintenance behavior is definitely one of the things that makes Ruby Slippers such a popular choice for gardeners who appreciate effortless beauty.

If you ever decide to experiment with pruning in the future, a light trim just after flowering can encourage even fuller blooms the next seasons, but it certainly sounds like your hydrangea thrives just fine as is! Meanwhile, continuing with consistent watering and a balanced fertilizer during the growing season will keep your plant looking its healthy best.

Thanks again for taking the time to leave your review; it helps our whole community of plant lovers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need care tips anytime down the road!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

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Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea