SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

COMMON NAME: 'Ruby Slippers' Oakleaf Hydrangea

GARDEN SIZE: 3 to 4 feet tall by 4 to 5 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Fast

USDA ZONE: 5 to 9

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade; prefers some afternoon shade here in Tennessee. Provide a sheltered site to protect flower buds from harsh winter winds.

WATER & SOIL: Thrives in organically rich, moist, well-drained soil. Prefers consistent moisture and benefits from summer mulch to retain soil moisture. Tolerates medium water levels but dislikes prolonged drought.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, multi-stemmed, compact dwarf shrub with dense branching

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; deeply lobed oak-like leaves; dark green in summer turning brilliant mahogany-red in fall

FLOWER COLOR: White aging to deep ruby-pink

FRAGRANCE: None

BLOOM FORM: Pyramidal; showy flowers that remain upright after rain

BLOOM TIME: Summer

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to the southeastern United States (including Tennessee). Found naturally in bluffs, moist woods, ravines, and stream banks.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Feed in early spring with organic compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which may reduce flowering.

PRUNING: Blooms on old wood. Minimal pruning is required. Prune immediately after flowering if needed, and remove damaged or dead stems in early spring while hydrangea is still dormant.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Mildly toxic if ingested (contains cyanogenic glycosides)

USES: Specimen, hedge, mass planting, informal borders, foundation planting