Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers,' commonly known as 'Ruby Slippers' oakleaf hydrangea, is a striking dwarf cultivar of deciduous hydrangea that is perfect for a variety of places in the home garden. Performing best in rich, well-drained soil in full to part sun areas, 'Ruby Slippers' matures to a three to four foot height and width that allows it to be planted in smaller spaces, low hedges, and along home foundations. From June to July, this cultivar is noted for its striking cone-shaped flower panicles in shades of white, pink, and ruby red as they mature. Flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, and 'Ruby Slippers' gains multi-season appeal with the purple-red hues of its fall foliage.
After fall foliage has come and gone, coarse mature stems exfoliate to reveal an attractive, chocolate brown inner bark, which adds eye-catching appeal to the winter landscape as well. This cultivar's compact form works in smaller landscapes and is useful for mass planting, hedges or borders, and with year-round aesthetic appeal, 'Ruby Slippers' makes an excellent addition to any space in the landscape.