Botanical profile

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

Latin name
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'
Common name
Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Ruby Slippers'
Type
Ornamental shrub
Family
Hydrangeaceae

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers' is a compact shrub with oak-like leaves, recognized for its abundant flowering and exceptional autumnal coloration. This variety is distinguished by its upright, conical panicles, which are initially creamy white and then rapidly transition to deep pink and ruby red by the end of the blooming season. Its overall habit is dense, rounded, and slightly wider than it is tall, making it ideal for foreground plantings, moderately sized specimen plantings, and residential gardens. The deeply lobed, dark green deciduous foliage takes on spectacular shades of red, purple, and burgundy in the autumn, providing significant ornamental interest across multiple seasons. 'Ruby Slippers' flowers on old wood and requires light and thoughtful pruning. Highly valued for its controlled size and strong visual impact, it is an excellent choice for gardens seeking structure, color, and natural elegance.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 5
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular
Fertilization
Moderate, compost or fertilizer for shrubs
Soil type
Rich, fresh, well-drained, slightly acidic
Minimum temperature
-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Creamy white evolving to pink then ruby red
Fruiting
Dry capsules of no ornamental interest
Foliage color
Dark green turning purplish red
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Compact, dense, and rounded shrub
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
3–4 ft (1–1.2 m)
Width
4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m)
Growth rate
Moderate
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.