About This Plant
A garden classic with a dramatic twist, Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea brings three-season beauty to the landscape. Large, upright panicles of creamy white flowers emerge in summer before gradually deepening to rich ruby-red, creating a spectacular display against the bold, oak-shaped foliage.
As the season progresses, the foliage takes on striking shades of red, burgundy, and purple, while the peeling cinnamon-colored bark adds winter interest. With its strong, upright habit, Ruby Slippers makes a beautiful focal point, foundation planting, or addition to a woodland-inspired garden.
Planting & Care
How to Plant
Choose a spot with 3–6 hours of sun, ideally morning sun. Dig a hole 2–3 times as wide as the pot but no deeper, with the top of the root ball slightly above ground level. Loosen circling roots and backfill with the native soil. Water deeply after planting and add 2–3 in of mulch, keeping it off the stems. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Watering & Feeding
Water deeply 1–2 times a week for the first season, about 1 in per week. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during heat and dry spells. Feed once in early spring with a slow-release shrub fertilizer.
Pruning & Seasonal Care
Blooms on old wood: prune lightly, if at all, right after flowering. Leaving dried flower heads over winter adds interest. Mulch in late fall to protect roots through the first winter.