Maintenance Landscaping Design

Ruby slippers hydrangea is a beautiful plant that is perfect for any garden. It is an easy to grow plant that is sure to add beauty to any garden.

Alternative name

• French hydrangea
  
• Snowball hydrangea
  
• Peegee hydrangea
  
• Lacecap hydrangea
  
• Oakleaf hydrangea

Things to Know

• The ruby slippers hydrangea (H. luteorubra) is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan.
  
• It is a popular ornamental plant in many gardens and parks.
  
• The plant gets its name from its beautiful, deep red flowers which resemble ruby slippers.
  
• The ruby slippers hydrangea blooms from late summer to early fall.
  
• The shrub can grow to a height of 3-5 feet and a width of 4-6 feet.
  
• It prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
  
• The plant is relatively low maintenance and is resistant to pests and diseases.
  
• It can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.
  
• The ruby slippers hydrangea is a popular choice for floral arrangements.
  
• The flowers of the plant can be dried and used for potpourri.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Quercifolia Ruby Slippers

Planting Process

1. For ruby slippers hydrangea, first step is to select a planting location. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
   
2. Next, prepare the planting hole. This should be twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of your plant.
   
3. Once the hole is prepared, backfill it with a mix of topsoil and compost.
   
4. Next, remove the plant from its container and place it in the planting hole.
   
5. Once the plant is in the hole, begin to backfill the hole with the soil mixture, tamping it down as you go.
   
6. Water the plant deeply after planting.
   
7. For the first growing season, water the plant weekly. Once established, ruby slippers hydrangea is drought tolerant.
   
8. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
   
9. Prune ruby slippers hydrangea in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful ruby slippers hydrangea!

Related plant:
Clethra Ruby Spice

The Soil

About soil condition, the best way to have healthyruby slippers hydrangea is to maintain the soil around them free from debris, fallen leaves and other garden litter. Also, keep the area around the base of the plant weed-free.

About light

Like the other hydrangeas, the ruby slippers hydrangea needs plenty of sun to thrive. It should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of sun each day. Morning sun is best, as it will help the flowers to last longer.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is optimal for ruby slippers hydrangeas is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate colder temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but they may not bloom as well. If the temperature gets too hot, above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves may begin to wilt.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the flowers will wilt. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this family of plant does best with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. As for the roots, they are very shallow and need to be kept moist but not soggy. A layer of mulch will help to retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots.

About light

Pruning your ruby slippers hydrangea is important to keeping the plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning also encourages new growth, which can help keep the plant full and bushy. To prune, simply cut back the stems to the desired length.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have 2-3 leaf nodes. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in moistened perlite or vermiculite and cover with a plastic bag. Place the cutting in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the perlite or vermiculite moist but not soggy. After 8-10 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and can be transplanted into a pot or planted in the ground.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about one to two feet per year. However, this can vary depending on the environment in which it is growing. If the plant is in an area with lots of sun and well-drained soil, it may grow faster. If the plant is in an area with poor drainage or not enough sun, it may grow more slowly.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow or brown and the plant may not flower. These problems are typically caused by too much sun or water. To fix these problems, move the plant to a shadier spot and/or reduce the amount of water you give it.

Growing Tips

• Do not forget to water your ruby slippers hydrangea regularly. The plant's roots need to stay moist in order to absorb nutrients properly.
  
• Place your hydrangea in an area that receives partial sun to full sun. Ruby slippers prefer at least six hours of sunlight per day.
  
• Fertilize your plant once a month using a balanced fertilizer. This will help promote healthy growth.
  
• Prune your ruby slippers hydrangea in early spring to encourage new growth.
  
• Protect your plant from extreme cold or heat. These conditions can damage the plant's foliage.
  
• Check for pests or diseases regularly. These can harm your hydrangea and cause it to produce fewer blooms.
  
• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
  
• Mulch around the base of your plant to helps retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Related Plants

• Ruby corundum gemstone.
  
• Ruby, similar gemstone.
  
• Ruby slippers, stage show prop.
  
• Red or pink roses, flowering plant.
  
• Orchidaceae family, flowering plant.
  
• Lily, flowering plant.
  
• Carnation, flowering plant.
  
• Hibiscus, flowering plant.
  
• Petunia, flowering plant.
  
• Geranium, flowering plant.

Source:
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers' - JC Raulston Arboretum
Ruby Slippers | National Museum of American History
Ruby Slippers | Smithsonian Institution