Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

Sizes available: 4" pot

Basics: zones 5-9, 3-4' x 3-5', full sun to part shade, white panicles bloom in the summer, aging to pink and then deep reddish pink, leaves darken to reds as temperature drops, mature stems exhibit peeling bark, revealing deep brown inner layers, prefers well-drained, consistently moist, rich soil. Will need consistent moisture or a good mulch in full sun

Common names: Oakleaf or Oak-leaved Hydrangea

Family: Hydrangeaceae

Origin/Distribution: 'Ruby Slippers' is a classic cultivar of Oakleaf Hydrangea with the parentage of 'Snow Queen' and 'Pee Wee' (that would be quite the fairytale). It was introduced in 2010 by the U.S. National Arboretum.

The species is native to the southeast from Georgia down to Florida and west to Louisiana

Habitat: moist, open woods, woods edge, ravines, bluffs, streamside

More: 'Ruby Slippers' will appreciate either a sheltered spot (which can be among a group of other shrubs) or growing in a large pot that can be dragged to a protected area (like a cold barn or garage) in the winter in case we have a particularly cold one. As it blooms on old wood, it can have significant bud damage with extreme, prolonged temperature drop, but although flowering less the next summer, will recover. It is a lovely plant, and I am always caught by the oak leaf-shaped leaves. Makes a good cut flower fresh or dried, especially in large bouquets as it is a bodacious flower. This shrub is part of my plan to spice up my flower arranging ingredients while also replacing some of the numerous multiflora roses growing here.

Nursery: Spring Meadow

Image credit: Spring Meadow Nursery