Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers') - 3 gallon 12"

If you want a shrub that delivers a breathtaking performance from summer right through to winter, Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea is exactly what your landscape needs. This compact beauty produces massive, cone-shaped flower clusters that emerge a pristine white in early summer, slowly transition to a delicate pale pink, and finally deepen into a stunning ruby red. The show does not stop when the flowers fade, either. As autumn arrives, the deeply lobed, oak-like leaves transform into brilliant shades of mahogany and crimson, followed by peeling, exfoliating bark that adds striking visual interest all winter long.

Perfectly scaled for modern yards, Ruby Slippers grows into a dense, rounded mound just three to four feet tall and four to five feet wide. Here in the mountains, it performs its absolute best when planted in a spot that receives bright morning sun but is heavily protected from our intense afternoon heat. You will want to plant it in rich, well-draining soil generously amended with organic compost, applying a thick layer of mulch to keep the root system cool and hydrated. While the thick, heavily textured foliage makes it far less appetizing to foraging deer than traditional mophead varieties, hungry wildlife might still take a taste. For the most spectacular floral display, tuck it into a protected courtyard or apply a natural deer repellent early in the season to keep your blooms safe.

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