Ruby Slippers™ Hydrangea Shrub

Ruby Slippers™ is a compact oakleaf hydrangea cultivar with flower clusters that open white, shift through pale pink, and deepen to rose red. Deeply lobed green leaves turn dark red in fall, adding a second display after the early-summer flowers fade ([USDA Agricultural Research Service](https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2010/new-hydrangea-cultivars-for-landscape-gardens/), [Atlanta Botanical Garden](https://atlantabg.org/plant-profile/oakleaf-hydrangea/)). ## Flowers and foliage USDA ARS reports a mature size of about 3–4 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide after nine years, a compact scale for a mixed shrub border or hedge. The Atlanta Botanical Garden describes similar dimensions and lists border, hedge, and specimen uses. The original USDA release gives hardiness zones 5–8, while a current exact-cultivar listing extends the range to 5–9; treat the broader reported range as source-specific and consider local exposure and winter conditions ([USDA ARS](https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2010/new-hydrangea-cultivars-for-landscape-gardens/), [Atlanta Botanical Garden](https://atlantabg.org/plant-profile/oakleaf-hydrangea/), [Hydrangea.com](https://hydrangea.com/products/ruby-slippers-oakleaf-hydrangea)). ## Siting and care Grow in full sun to part shade in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Summer mulch helps maintain soil moisture; avoid sites that remain waterlogged. As a deciduous oakleaf hydrangea, Ruby Slippers also offers dark red autumn foliage and exfoliating branches for later-season and winter interest ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-quercifolia/), [Atlanta Botanical Garden](https://atlantabg.org/plant-profile/oakleaf-hydrangea/)). ## Maintenance Oakleaf hydrangeas flower on old wood. Prune selectively immediately after flowering if shaping is needed, and avoid routine late-season cutting that could remove next year's flower buds. Replenish summer mulch and water during establishment and extended dry periods; keep the root zone evenly moist without leaving it saturated ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-quercifolia/)).