Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea – HYDRANGEA q. ‘Ruby Slippers’. 3 ½’ tall, 4-5′ spread, full sun-part shade, midsummer-early fall bloom. Robust cones open white, quickly turning pink before maturing to ruby red. Dark green foliage turns a brilliant shade of mahogany red in the fall. Zones 5-9. Potted in 1 quart pot.
Blooms are produced on old wood therefore should be pruned in summer after plants finish blooming and strong new shoots have developed from the base. Mature stems exfoliate to show a rich cinnamon brown inner bark which is attractive in the winter.
Depending on your soil Ph, your blooms will turn either pink (alkline) or blue (acidic). To change blooms to blue add aluminum sulfate or add lime to change blooms to pink. This should be done late fall or early Spring. Dead head spent flowers to promote more blooms. Make sure to prune out weak or damaged stems immediately.
Garden Style:
Cottage, Courtyard, Formal
Other Uses:
Hedges, Flowerbeds, Borders, Screens, Cut Flowers, Dried flowers, Easy Care, Gift Plant
