Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea - A Great Plant!


So you want to plant a native shrub that tolerates half shade (shade in afternoon), has big blooms  in the summer and has great Fall color?

Oh yeah, and it should be compact, fairly minimum maintenance and grow to -20 degrees F.

And it should be reddish/pink.

RUBY SLIPPERS OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA is the answer. 


Monrovia - Ruby Slippers close up
Its 9" long flower clusters start out white, then gradually change to pink and then red, growing above the beautiful oakleaf foliage, which also turns an amazing mahogany red in the fall.   It grows to just 3 1/2 ft. by about 5 feet wide.  Zones 5-9.




Developed by the U.S. National Arboretum in McMinnville, TN in 2010, the compact Ruby Slippers is a cross between Snow Queen and PeeWee hydrangea and does not grow higher than 4 feet. 




It is perfect for small residential gardens (such as mine). 

It also does well in planters and containers - perfect for balconies and decks!  And if you have a larger area, you can use them in a mass planting, as a striking hedge and in mixed borders. 

Blossoms are robust and remain upright even after heavy rains and strong winds. The same is true for the glorious leaves. Just make sure to mulch to retain soil moisture and help keep the roots cool.



Winter interest? It has lovely cinnamon exfoliating bark which is beautiful.

Ruby Slippers is spectacular anywhere it's planted.  






Comments

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    ReplyDelete
  2. wow that hydrangea is the bomb!!

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    Replies
    1. I share your enthusiasm, Sharon - oakleafs rule!

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  3. Great color, and oakleafs are tough. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cindy - you are so right..that is why I love oakleafs...and they tolerate drier soils than other kinds of hydrangeas....

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  4. Really nice color and compact plant - thank you for sharing

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  5. I absolutely love the Oakleaf Hydrangeas. Has anyone found out if deer can resist them?
    Janet

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janet...I have found that they may eat them but not their first choice..Depends on how ravenous...but normally safe.

      Delete

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