Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea

This Hydrangea is selected for its unique flower color. The 9'' long inflorescences start white and slowly change color to pink to eventually turn red. It grows compact and bushy while the flowers stay upright above the oakleaf foliage. The large decorative leaves withstand sun, strong wind and heavy rain unblemished. The stems are very strong and hold these panicles upright creating a spectacular sight. The foliage turns a fiery scarlet and burgundy in the Fall while the cinnamon exfoliating bark give Winter interest. Spectacular anywhere it's planted. Expect this hydrangea to peak at three to four feet tall and four to five feet wide which is great for small areas. Plant in full sun to partial shade to shade. The blooms change from white to pink to red from summer through fall. The large, dark green, leathery textured leaves with broad lobes are 3" - 8" long, 3" - 5" wide. The under surface is whitish to brownish tone. Blooms from Early summer to midsummer.

Planting Instructions - Dig your planting hole twice the diameter of the root ball. You should dig the hole so that once planted it will be at the same level in the ground as it was in its container. Before you place it into its hole, you should loosen the soil around the outside of the root ball. This will help the roots to spread more easily once it is planted. Place your shrub into the hole. Back-fill the hole with soil and pack it down firmly. Water well to help get rid of air pockets in the soil. Add a layer of mulch to your newly planted shrub. This will help the soil to conserve moisture.