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photo of US National Arboretum

Meet the Breeder

US National Arboretum
Washington, DC, USA

‘Ruby Slippers’

Hydrangea - Oakleaf

Hydrangea quercifolia

'Ruby Slippers'

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A specimen of deep red Ruby Slippers dwarf oakleaf hydrangea "} The white flowering phase of dwarf Ruby Slippers oakleaf hydrangea A closeup of the pink red bloom of Ruby Slippers oakleaf hydrangea
  • Native
  • Colorful
  • Shade tolerant
Description

Lovely 'Ruby Slippers' hydrangea has white summer flowers that turn pale pink, then deep to rose, and are held upright above the foliage. Flowers may reach 9" in length. The dark green foliage turns mahogany-red in fall. The compact habit and large upright inflorescences make it well-suited to residential gardens. Developed by the US National Arboretum from a cross of 'Snow Queen' and 'Pee Wee'.

USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3 - 3.5'
Width
3 - 3.5'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
4"

Soil

Best in moist, well-drained soil, but quite adaptable to any site except excessively wet ones.

Pruning

Oakleaf hydrangea blooms on old wood, so it is generally best to avoid any kind of regular pruning or trimming. May be pruned selectively as needed to develop a more striking habit.

Uses

Mixed borders; woodland gardens; informal hedges and screens; foundation plantings.

Growing Tips

Oakleaf hydrangeas are perhaps the most shade-tolerant hydrangea, though blooming and fall color are best with at least some sun each day. They bloom on old wood and exhibit better bud hardiness than other old wood bloomers. These plants perform far better in the landscape than in the container/nursery environment, so don't be put off by a plant that looks less than enticing in its pot. It will redeem itself rapidly once planted in the ground.

Features: Fall interest, Native, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Heat tolerant

Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Oakleaf, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage

Features: Fall interest, Native, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Heat tolerant

Filters: Botanical genus: Hydrangea, Common name: Hydrangea - Oakleaf, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage