Ruby Slippers Hydrangea
Common Name: Ruby Slippers Hydrangea
Botanical Name: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’
Category: Shrub
Lifecycle: Perennial
USDA Symbol: HYQU3
USDA Zone: 6A – 10B
Sun Requirement: High Sun (4-6 hours per day), High Shade (1-2 hours per day)
Water Requirement: Medium
Soil: Loam
pH: Moderately Alkaline (5.6-6.0)
Height: 3 to 4 ft
Spacing: 4 to 5 ft
Spread: 4 to 5 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time: Summer
Bloom Color(s): Burgundy, White, Red, Pink
Leaf Shape: Simple
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Miscellaneous: Native Plant, Tolerates poor soil
Plant Description:
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’ magically “fits” into limited garden spaces as it displays vibrant color, intriguing texture, and year-round appeal. A remarkable blend of two North American native hydrangeas, this beautiful shrub has inherited the finest qualities of both parents. It was developed in 2010 by the accomplished hydrangea hybridizer, Sandra Reed, of the United States National Arboretum. She cross-bred the majestic ‘Snow Queen’ Oakleaf Hydrangea with the petite ‘Pee Wee’ variety to create a compact shrub suitable for smaller spaces. ‘Ruby Slippers’ displays spectacular nine-inch flower clusters in early summer that unfurl creamy white and gradually develop a soft pink hue before maturing to a deep, luxurious rose-red. The showy blossoms are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Its lush, deep green, leathery foliage is attractive in the landscape even when not in bloom! The lustrous, oak-like leaves are oppositely arranged on numerous upright branches forming a low, mounded shrub growing 3-4 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. The plant’s botanical name, ‘quercifolia,’ actually translates from Latin to the phrase, “leaves that look like those of the Quercus, or Oak Tree.” ‘Ruby Slippers’ is deciduous, meaning that in autumn, its leaves transform to resplendent shades of burgundy, red, and mahogany before they are whisked away by cold winter winds. Left bare, the exfoliating stems reveal interesting cinnamon-colored bark, adding yet another layer of dramatic color and interest to the landscape. The interlacing branches maintain an attractive, rounded silhouette throughout the winter months, providing much-appreciated shelter to visiting winter songbirds. Perennial within USDA hardiness zones 5-9, ‘Ruby Slippers’ flourishes in woodland settings or shrub borders beneath the filtered shade of Japanese Maples and other trees. It looks spectacular among colorful shrubs like azaleas, hollies, or gardenias, all of which share similar soil and light requirements. Exquisite in decorative containers, its prominent leaves create a striking contrast to plants with smaller, more delicate foliage. ‘Ruby Slippers’ makes an especially lovely companion to deep red heucheras, brilliantly patterned trailing coleus varieties, or the graceful purple foliage of dwarf loropetalums. The name, ‘Hydrangea,’ was given to the genus in 1739 by a well-known botanist named Grovonius. He combined the Latin words, “hydro,” meaning “water,” and “angeion,” or “pitcher,” perhaps because hydrangeas require ample water to flourish. The descriptive term, ‘Ruby Slippers’ refers to the exquisite, ruby-colored blossoms. A stellar native plant, ‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangea puts on a stunning performance every season of the year.
Propagation & Planting:
‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangea is easily grown in organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It should ideally be planted where it receives shade during the hottest part of the day, but if the area is too shady, the fall colors will be less vivid. This plant performs best with 2-6 hours of direct morning sunlight daily and prefers loamy soil with a pH ranging between 5.0 and 6.0. A soil test is recommended to measure the existing pH and determine which amendments may be needed. Container-grown shrubs can be purchased from most local garden centers for planting into the garden during spring or early fall. Plants should be spaced 4-5 feet apart to prevent over-crowding. A planting hole should be dug as deep as the purchased container and twice as wide. Any circling or bottom roots need to be loosened prior to planting. The top of the soil must be even with or slightly above the surrounding ground. The hole should be refilled with the same soil it was dug from and watered thoroughly. Clay soil is best amended with organic matter to improve drainage. ‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangea has a shallow root system and sends out suckers, which already have a few roots. These can easily be removed and transplanted elsewhere in the landscape. The plant can also be propagated from six-inch-long stem cuttings. This is accomplished by removing all but the top leaves, dipping the cut end into rooting hormone, and then gently pressing it into moist growing medium. The cutting should be kept in bright, indirect light until substantial roots form.
Basic Care Instructions:
‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangea will need regular irrigation during the first season of growth. Once established, however it can tolerate drier soil. The plant thrives in evenly moist, but never soggy, soil. The surrounding soil should be allowed to dry between each watering session. If planted in Zone 5, it should be provided shelter from chilling winds. The flower buds can be injured in temperatures below -10 degrees Fahrenheit. A protective layer of mulch around the plant helps prevent damage to the roots and retains soil moisture during the summer heat.
Fertilizing Instructions:
‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangea typically requires no fertilizer if grown in well-amended soil with plenty of organic matter. The plant may benefit from the light application of a balanced, 10-10-10 granular fertilizer once in early spring and again in mid-summer, according to the directions on the product label.
Pruning Instructions:
It is important to prune immediately after the blooming period. Because this hydrangea blooms on the previous year’s growth, flower buds may be inadvertently removed if pruned away before they can open. No other pruning is required except to remove dead or damaged branches in early spring.
Pests & Disease:
‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangea is not typically affected by serious pests or diseases. It can be susceptible to leaf blight or powdery mildew in excessively moist conditions, resulting in unsightly blotches on the leaves. These can be treated with a fungicide if necessary and affected foliage should be removed. Aphids and spider mites occasionally appear in dry conditions, resulting in a slight webbing or mottling on the foliage. These can be rinsed away by a sharp spray of the hose or an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil. All fungicides and insecticides must be used only after carefully reading the directions on the product label.
