Dwarf Ruby Slipper Hydrangeas’ Maximum Size?

Ruby Slippers is a compact, deciduous shrub that grows up to 3-4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It thrives in full sun or part shade in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant is ideal for mass plantings, hedges, mixed shrub borders, and as a house or patio-corner plant. It typically reaches a height of around 3 to 4 feet and has a similar spread.

The plant is best in part shade or dappled sunlight, but can tolerate full sun if watered in droughts. It works well as a house- or patio-corner plant, massed in a woodland garden, or planted several feet apart. Maintaining a smaller size requires more frequent pruning.

Ruby Slippers is a cross between oak leaf hydrangea cultivars ‘Snow Queen’ and ‘Pee Wee’. It is a true dwarf oakleaf hydrangea that produces 9″ long clusters of flowers in early summer in full sun or partial shade. Its compact size, large upright flower panicles, and ruby red mature flowers make it an excellent selection for smaller garden spaces where larger oakleaf hydrangeas won’t fit.

The plant requires regular irrigation during the first season of growth and mature plants reach 3-4 feet tall and about 4 to 5 feet wide. Deadhead and remove spent flower cones as needed. The plant is also suitable for small garden spaces where larger oakleaf hydrangeas won’t fit.

In summary, Ruby Slippers is a compact, deciduous shrub that thrives in full sun or part shade in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It is a great choice for home landscapes and gardens, with its compact size and large upright flower panicles making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces.

How big do dwarf hydrangeas get?

The “Invicibelle Wee White” smooth hydrangea is a compact variety that exhibits growth characteristics of 1-2 feet. Upon reaching maturity, the plant reaches a height of approximately five feet and produces flowers during the summer months. It is capable of enduring frost and can tolerate a range of sunlight conditions, from partial to full sun, in USDA zones 3-8. It is a popular selection among those seeking a compact, smooth hydrangea variety.

Do ruby slipper hydrangeas like sun or shade?

‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangea is a beautiful native plant that can be grown in organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It is best planted where it receives shade during the hottest part of the day, but if the area is too shady, the fall colors will be less vivid. The plant is a blend of two North American native hydrangeas, developed in 2010 by Sandra Reed, a hydrangea hybridizer. She cross-bred the majestic ‘Snow Queen’ Oakleaf Hydrangea with the petite ‘Pee Wee’ variety to create a compact shrub suitable for smaller spaces.

The plant displays spectacular nine-inch flower clusters in early summer that unfurl creamy white and gradually develop a soft pink hue before maturing to a deep, luxurious rose-red. The showy blossoms are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Its lush, deep green, leathery foliage is attractive in the landscape even when not in bloom. The plant’s botanical name, ‘quercifolia,’ translates from Latin to the phrase, “leaves that look like those of the Quercus, or Oak Tree”.

In autumn, its leaves transform to resplendent shades of burgundy, red, and mahogany before being whisked away by cold winter winds. Left bare, the exfoliating stems reveal interesting cinnamon-colored bark, adding yet another layer of dramatic color and interest to the landscape. The interlacing branches maintain an attractive, rounded silhouette throughout the winter months, providing much-appreciated shelter to visiting winter songbirds.

Perennial within USDA hardiness zones 5-9, ‘Ruby Slippers’ flourishes in woodland settings or shrub borders beneath the filtered shade of Japanese Maples and other trees. It looks spectacular among colorful shrubs like azaleas, hollies, or gardenias, all of which share similar soil and light requirements.

Propagation and planting are easy, and the plant performs best with 2-6 hours of direct morning sunlight daily and prefers loamy soil with a pH ranging between 5. 0 and 6. 0. A soil test is recommended to measure the existing pH and determine which amendments may be needed.

The plant has a shallow root system and sends out suckers, which can be removed and transplanted elsewhere in the landscape. The plant can also be propagated from six-inch-long stem cuttings by removing all but the top leaves, dipping the cut end into rooting hormone, and gently pressing it into moist growing medium.

Why is my ruby slippers hydrangea not blooming?

‘Ruby Slippers’ should bloom in May or June, but if no flower buds are visible, it’s likely due to improper pruning or late summer planting. The shrub blooms on old wood, so pruning should be done after the flowers or not at all. Cutting spent flowers just below the inflorescence can also encourage more blooms. If the shrub is planted in deep shade, increasing light exposure may be necessary to see any flowers.

Where is the best place to plant ruby slippers hydrangeas?

The Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea is a shrub that requires full sun to partial shade, with an ideal spot receiving about five hours of direct sunlight per day. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil and requires regular watering when the soil is dry. Established plants are drought-tolerant and only need water during extended dry spells. Feeding the plant in spring supports growth and blooms. Pruning the plant in the fall after flowers fade helps maintain its shape.

Dead growth can be removed in the spring for a tidy appearance. Winter care is minimal, but heavy snowfall can protect branches. Spacing mature plants 3 to 4 feet apart creates a dense, continuous planting.

How tall and wide are ruby slippers hydrangeas?

‘Ruby Slippers’ is a compact form of oak leaf hydrangea, originating from the cross between ‘Snow Queen’ and ‘Pee Wee’. It matures to 3-4 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide, with large upright flower panicles, ruby red mature flowers, mahogany red fall foliage color, and exfoliating bark. The plant blooms in late spring and turns pink before maturing to ruby red. The leaves turn mahogany-red in autumn and exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark in winter.

Introduced into commerce in 2010, it has no serious insect or disease problems but is susceptible to leaf blight and powdery mildew. It is suitable for small gardens, shrub borders, or as a specimen or accent. Exfoliating mature branches provide interesting color and texture in winter and can be grown in large containers.

Will Epsom salt make hydrangeas bloom?

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a popular gardening hack that claims to improve growth, flowering, and deter pests. It has been a part of gardening folklore since before the internet. However, the science behind these claims is scarce. While Epsom salt is recommended for various garden issues, such as enhancing growth and flowering, acting as a fertilizer, deterring pests and diseases, and resolving various growth problems, there is little evidence to support these claims. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the potential harms of applying Epsom salt to your hydrangeas.

How far to plant hydrangeas from house?

It is recommended that Endless Summer varieties be planted at a distance of at least two feet from the foundation, with a greater distance being preferable if there is no desire for the plant to come into contact with the house. The most compact variety is Summer Crush.

How many years does it take for hydrangeas to bloom?

Hydrangeas typically bloom twice a year, with the majority of blooms occurring in midsummer or late summer. The blooming period lasts for approximately two to three years. The longevity of these flowers can range from two months to two years, contingent on the specific cultivar, climate, and level of care provided. It is possible to control the growth of certain hydrangeas by adjusting the pH levels of the soil in which they are cultivated. This is exemplified by the bigleaf and mophead hydrangeas. The hue of the flowers can be modified based on the plant’s care regimen.

How long does it take for hydrangeas to reach full height?

Hydrangeas take two to four years to mature to full size, depending on the variety. They have a lengthy flowering season from June to October, providing color for two or three seasons. Some hydrangea varieties can grow in pots, but some grow up to twelve feet tall, requiring large pots. Others, which never grow more than two or three feet, are more suitable for pots. Overall, hydrangeas are a versatile and colorful addition to any landscape.

Do dwarf hydrangeas need full sun?

Hydrangea plants, such as panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata), can thrive in full sun, especially in warmer zones. The new reblooming dwarf series Let’s Dance® and dwarf big leaf series Cityline® grow best in full or part sun. Smooth hydrangea varieties Incrediball® and Invincibelle® Ruby are also recommended for full or part sun. To prevent leaf scorch, provide extra water during stressful times, irrigate in the morning and evening when temperatures are at their highest, and water at the base of the plant.

Oakleaf hydrangeas, such as Alice Oakleaf and Ruby Slippers Oakleaf, can tolerate full sun in the northern US but prefer at least some afternoon shade in warm and southern climates. These plants are the most adaptable to different sun and shade conditions, making them suitable for both full sun and shade.

What is the difference between ruby slippers and munchkin oakleaf hydrangeas?

The inflorescences of the ‘Ruby Slippers’ cultivar exhibit a progressive increase in brightness with age, whereas the ‘Munchkin’ cultivar displays a tendency towards compaction. Both cultivars are characterized by a tightly branched structure and require minimal pruning to maintain a dense shape. However, ‘Munchkin’ exhibits a more compact growth pattern.