Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers' Red Blooms Oakleaf Hydrangea
Best vibrant flowering shrub for garden enthusiasts.
The Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers' is a compact oakleaf hydrangea developed by the US National Arboretum. It features striking blooms that transition from white to pink and finally to a deep ruby red. This cultivar typically reaches 3-4 feet in height and 5 feet in width over 10 years. It thrives in partial sun to full sun conditions and is known for its beautiful fall color and deer resistance.
$35.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.7
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Category Rank
32
/ 3331
#32 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-11%
Below average
Botanical Name
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'
/ Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking year-round interest and dynamic color changes in their landscape.
- Homeowners desiring a low-maintenance, durable shrub for diverse garden settings.
- Landscape designers looking for architectural plants with unique leaf forms.
Who should skip it
- Urban gardeners with limited space or small patio containers.
- Gardeners with full-sun exposed yards or deeply shaded areas.
- Property owners in rural areas with significant deer activity.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'
Common Name
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Mature Height
3-4 ft
Mature Spread
5 ft
Bloom Color
White, Pink, Red
Foliage Type
Oak-like leaves
Growth Habit
Deciduous shrub
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun to Full Sun
Features
- Striking color-changing blooms
- Compact size for smaller gardens
- Attractive oak-like foliage
- Resistant to deer
- Adaptable to various light conditions
- Beautiful fall color
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the plants received from Mr Maple, noting their robust health, careful packaging, and vigorous growth after planting. Many express delight with the vibrant red blooms and the plant's ability to thrive, making it a highly valued addition to their gardens. The ease of establishment and impressive performance contribute significantly to overall satisfaction.
Know before you buy
The 'Ruby Slippers' hydrangea begins the season with large, upright white blooms. As the summer progresses, these flowers transition to a soft pink and eventually deepen into a rich, saturated ruby red.
Yes, this is a compact cultivar specifically bred for smaller landscapes. It typically reaches a mature height of 3 to 4 feet and a spread of about 5 feet, making it much more manageable than traditional, larger oakleaf hydrangeas.
It is quite adaptable and performs well in both partial sun and full sun. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the foliage and keep the plant hydrated during the peak of summer.
While no plant is completely immune to hungry wildlife, 'Ruby Slippers' is widely considered deer-resistant. Its textured, oak-like foliage is generally less palatable to deer than many other common garden shrubs.
Beyond its long-lasting summer blooms, this hydrangea offers excellent fall color. The oak-shaped leaves turn vibrant shades of mahogany and bronze, providing a beautiful display as the temperatures drop.
Yes, it is a deciduous shrub, meaning it will lose its leaves in the winter. This is a natural part of its growth cycle, allowing the plant to go dormant before pushing out fresh, new growth in the spring.
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$35