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.

Learn more about how to grow and care for Ruby Slippers on PlantTAGG®