Ruby Slippers Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Ruby Slippers Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea |
| Botanical Name | Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers' |
| Mature Size | 5 to 6 feet tall, similar spread |
| Sun Exposure | Part Shade |
| Soil Type | Rich, well-drained soil |
| Soil pH | 5.0 to 6.5 (acidic) |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Color | White fading to Ruby Red |
| Care | This shrub will do best when planted in a slightly acidic, rich, well-draining soil in full sun or part shade. It thrives in moist soil; a thick layer of mulch over the root zone will help retain soil moisture. |
| Soil | Grow oakleaf hydrangea in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic soil pH, amended with plenty of compost. |
| Water | These plants appreciate moist soil, and the more sunlight they receive, the more water they need. Blanketing the ground beneath the shrub with a thick layer of mulch will help maintain soil moisture. |
| Temperature and Humidity | Oakleaf hydrangea generally does well in climate conditions throughout its hardiness range (zones 5 to 9), but winter damage to flower buds may occur in the colder part of the range, especially with young shrubs. |
| Fertilizer | This plant generally requires no feeding, especially if you are mulching over the root zone. When growing in alkaline soils, occasional feeding with an acid fertilizer may be beneficial. |
| Pruning | Oakleaf hydrangea shrubs usually require little pruning, unless you are trying to fit them into a location that is too small. In ideal conditions, this plant may shoot up to 10 feet, which may require that you trim it down. This is a shrub that blooms on old wood, so when pruning is necessary, do it immediately after it is done flowering and blooms start to fade, which will likely be late summer into September or even October. Damaged or diseased branches can be cut away whenever they appear. This plant spreads through suckering, so you may want to remove spreading ground shoots to control the spread of the shrub. |
| Overwintering | At the northern end of its hardiness range (zone 5), young plants should be given some winter protection, such as a burlap wrap. If potted, they should be put in a sheltered location, but the plants do not need to come indoors. Clean out all leaves and debris at the root base. |
| Source | https://www.thespruce.com/summer-blooming-oakleaf-hydrangeas-2132724 |