Description

Bring midsummer to autumn interest to your garden with Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’. Ruby Slippers is a compact oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) with white flowers that age to deep ruby-red, plus oak-shaped leaves with good autumn colour.

Hydrangeas are among the most popular flowering shrubs in the UK, producing big, long-lasting flower heads from midsummer into autumn. Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) carry cone-shaped heads and are very hardy, Annabelle types (Hydrangea arborescens) bear huge white domes, and mophead or lacecap types (Hydrangea macrophylla and serrata) give rounded or flat heads in pink, blue or red.

Key features of Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’

• Plant type: Deciduous flowering shrub
• Season of interest: Midsummer to autumn
• Look: White flower cones ageing to deep ruby-red
• Height and spread: 1.2m x 1.2m
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy, though late frosts may damage new shoots on mophead types
• Supplied in: 3L pot
• Best for: cut and dried flowers, mixed borders, large pots, patio pots

Why choose Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’?

• Oak-shaped leaves
• White to ruby flowers
• Autumn leaf colour

Where to plant Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’

Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’ grows best in sun or part shade, in moist, well-drained, fertile soil. It is a good choice for cut and dried flowers, and also works well for mixed borders, large pots and patio pots. Pair with ferns, hostas, Japanese anemones and grasses.

How to plant Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’

Before planting, soak the root ball in a bucket of water. Prepare a hole about twice the width of the pot, fork over the bottom and add organic matter. Plant at the original soil level, firm the soil around the roots and give it a generous drink.

How to care for Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’

Water well during dry spells, especially in the first summer. Mulch each spring and feed with a general fertiliser. Water well in dry spells and mulch each spring; leave faded heads on over winter for protection and prune in spring. Pruning depends on type: panicle and Annabelle hydrangeas flower on new growth and are cut back in early spring, while mophead and lacecap types are pruned lightly, removing old flower heads to the first pair of healthy buds in spring. Wilting in hot weather usually means dry roots.

Growing Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’ in a pot

Excellent in large pots of loam-based compost; water regularly.

Grown in the UK, for UK gardens

Every plant is grown at our St Annes nursery in the North West, where it is raised in real British conditions. That means a tougher, well-rooted plant that settles quickly into your garden. This Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’ is supplied in a 3L pot. Container-grown plants can be planted almost all year round, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged; autumn and spring are ideal.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’ grow?
Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’ typically reaches 1.2m x 1.2m, depending on position, soil and pruning.

When does Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’ look its best?
Its main season of interest is midsummer to autumn, when it shows white flower cones ageing to deep ruby-red.

Is Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’ hardy?
Fully hardy, though late frosts may damage new shoots on mophead types.

How do I prune Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’?
Pruning depends on type: panicle and Annabelle hydrangeas flower on new growth and are cut back in early spring, while mophead and lacecap types are pruned lightly, removing old flower heads to the first pair of healthy buds in spring.

When should I prune Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’?
See the care section above: timing depends on the type of hydrangea.

Can I dry Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’ flowers?
Yes. Cut the heads in late summer as they begin to papery and hang them upside down.

Add Hydrangea ‘Ruby Slippers’ to your basket today and enjoy midsummer to autumn interest in your garden.