'Ruby Slippers' Oakleaf Hydrangea
Shrub
- White summer flowers change colors to red!
- Gorgeous deep red fall foliage color.
- Native hydrangea attracts pollinators.
- No pruning required for beautiful blooms.
- Zones 5-9, sun/part sun, 3-4′ tall x 3-4 ′wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
Details
Common name: Oakleaf hydrangea
Zone: 5 - 9
Sun exposure: Sun (6+ hours), Part-sun (4-6 hours sun)
Height x width: 3-4' tall x 3-4 ft. wide
Flower color: White, turning red with age.
Foliage color: Green.
Season of interest: Summer-fall
Bloom time: Midsummer, early fall
Features: Heat tolerant, fall color, container plants, best for beginners
Uses: Flower gardens, landscaping, specimen, flowering hedge, pollinator gardens, native plant gardens
How to Grow
Sun exposure: Sun (6+ hours), Part-sun (4-6 hours sun)
Water: Average. Oakleaf hydrangeas do not tolerate overwatering or poor drainage.
Space: min. 4 - 5' apart
Fertilizing: If desired, fertilize in early spring, once the ground has thawed, with a granular rose fertilizer.
Winterizing: Oakleaf hydrangeas are very hardy and easily withstand harsh winters, so they need no special care. A good 2-3" layer of mulch helps protect the shallow roots. Do not cut back or prune oakleaf hydrangeas (see below for more info).
Maintenance: Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, which means they have their flower buds for the following season all through winter, so they should not be cut back. It is best to avoid pruning or trimming them all together, though you may selectively remove branches to develop a nice shape and silhouette if desired.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.
Received my five OL Hydrangeas today. Packed very safely and with care. Removed from package and watered. Letting them acclimate outdoors before planting in two days (recommended).
The oak leaf hydrangea arrived with diseased leaves and was not healthy. I was very disappointed.
Hello! It is common for plants to experience slight stress from shipping, as they have not experienced their ideal growing conditions at this time. We recommend placing plants in a cool, shaded spot out of direct sunlight for 24-48 hours after unpacking them. This allows them a recovery and acclimation period before planting. If you must hold them longer, place them out of direct sunlight, wind, heat, and cold, and plant as soon as possible. Please email your order number and pictures of your plants to [email protected] to start the claims process, and we can make sure your plants are on the right track! https://bit.ly/ggp-guarantee
Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea is the one put on most growth out of 6 hydrangeas that I ordered. I live in Southern CA zone 10a and it planted in part shade with afternoon sun only.
Arrived healthy and so excited to watch it grow and produce the beautiful red blooms. I have it in a small pot, but will transplant when needed!
I have ordered many times from Great Gardens, but this last shipment was a bit haggard. I gave them all a drink and let them acclimate for 2 days. Planted the two Ruby Slippers in the ground and they have since sprouted new leaves. The leaves they arrived with were very spotted and torn so I wasn’t sure if they would survive. Fingers crossed.
Hello! We’re sorry that you received plants that are not up to our standards. We try our best to provide excellent plants, but some factors, like shipping and handling, are outside our control. That’s why we have a 60-day guarantee on all of our orders. Please email your order number and pictures of your plants to [email protected] to start the claims process. We look forward to helping! https://bit.ly/ggp-guarantee
I love my two hydrangeas now. They have grown very well. 2 out of my 3 survived. Didn’t help that my kids stepped on one and it died over the winter. I wish it had been bigger and stronger upon arrival.
Hello! Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry you are not satisfied with your plants! We do note that all of our plants are young on each product page and on our plant sizes page https://www.greatgardenplants.com/pages/sizes.The size and maturity of the plants varies widely depending on the time of the year you purchased and if they were recently trimmed. The important thing when it comes to purchasing plants, whether online or in a garden center, is that they have a full, robust root system, and that's what we prioritize in our greenhouses. The more roots a plant has, the more energy it can put into growing once it is planted in your garden. We do keep our plants trimmed to encourage strong root development!
Plant arrived in good condition though a little dry. Gave it a drink and set it on the back porch for a day or so. Planted it out with a rabbit cage since the bunnies are very active in my neighborhood right now, and it's growing very well so far. A very healthy plant. Looking forward to watching it grow to maturity! Thanks!
This was the only potted plant that came in my order that was healthy and full. Smaller than I would have liked for the price but I will not be buying anything smaller than more quart sized plants from online retailers. Plants can’t handle the stress or they are not mature enough. This one is in really good shape it appears.
We’re sorry you’re not satisfied with your plants! On each product page and our plant sizes page, we note that all of our plants are young. The size of our plants varies depending on the time of year and whether they were recently trimmed. The most important thing when purchasing plants, online or in garden centers, is a full and robust root system, which we prioritize. Trimming only encourages stronger root development! All orders are covered by our 60-day guarantee, so please reach out to us to start the claims process if necessary.
plants arrived healthy and packed well. Shipping was on time as noted.
It was packaged pretty and perfect ❤️🌿
I like how the Ordering Dept is organized.
Packaging and Shopping are handled with great care.
Text contact with customer is appreciated.
Thank you
Melody Naegel
Very disappointed with these cuttings and I will not use this company again
We're sorry you received plants that were not up to our standards. We try our best to provide excellent plants, but some factors, like shipping and handling, are outside our control. Our friendly customer service team is always here to help! Just contact us at [email protected] with your order number and photos of the plants. After further investigation, we will be able to better assist you. All orders are covered by our 60-day guarantee. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to helping! https://bit.ly/hyd-guaranteed
Hydrangeas arrived packaged well, small but very healthy, they appear to be thriving already, very pleased so far
The plants look not healthy
Very healthy plants!! Very happy with your plants!
Very healthy plant, extensive root system, grows well in a spot where I planted it
My plants were so healthy and vibrant when I received them. They are in the ground now and thriving!!
My plant is already growing
This is the first time I’ve ever purchased a plant online. I was very concerned that it would actually arrive safely and live. To my surprise both have done quite well so far and look like they will do well.
I’ve been very disappointed with the plants I received from this company. My Tuby Slippers hydrangea died, as it was in bad shape when I received it. Definitely not worth the price I paid.
We're sorry you're having trouble with your plants. Our team of horticulture experts would love to take a closer look! Please contact us at [email protected] with your order number and photos of the plants so we can better assist you. All orders are covered by our 60-day guarantee. We look forward to helping! https://bit.ly/ggp-guarantee
It arrived healthy, was planted, and is getting watered. It has quadrupled in sixe. The light green leaves have a reddish edge as they age. Flowers are coming in white and are expected to change to pink then red as the year goes on. I'm very happy with this plant and will buy from this vendor again.
Fluffed out. After I took him out of the box, and he looks great! Can’t wait to plant him!
The plants arrived in a timely manner. However, I was overwhelmed with doctors appointments for myself and my father in law. Didn't get them in the ground fast enough, they died. My fault.
So far this little guy is doing well. It seems happy in its spot...no drooping or transplanting shock. Waiting to patiently to see how it does over the summer.
What is rate of growth for this plant
Does it do well near a black walnut tree
'Ruby Slippers' Oakleaf Hydrangea has an average rate of growth. They are sensitive to juglone so wouldn't do well when planted ne a black walnut tree. You can find our article on juglone tolerant shrubs and perennials here:
https://blog.greatgardenplants.com/juglone-tolerant-plants-for-gardening-near-black-walnut-trees/