Here, I listed four compact varieties of oakleaf hydrangeas with incredible blooms: Munchkin, Pee Wee, Ruby Slippers, and Sikes’ Dwarf. These dwarf oakleaf hydrangea varieties are all distinct in appearance while maintaining the characteristic charm of their species. Join me in this post to give you a description of each. Let’s get going.
-
Munchkin Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Size: One of the smallest compact oakleaf hydrangeas, typically growing to about 2–3 feet tall and wide.
- Leaves: Munchkin has small, deeply lobed leaves, which turn a beautiful reddish-purple in the fall, contributing to its multi-season interest.
- Flowers: The white blooms appear mid-summer, ageing to pinkish hues as the season progresses. The flower clusters are cone-shaped and relatively compact compared to other oakleaf varieties.
- Overall Look: Munchkin is a bushy, rounded shrub with a dense, full appearance. Its small size makes it ideal for smaller gardens or containers, but its flowers and fall colour still dramatically impact it.
-
Pee Wee Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea
Size: Pee Wee is a dwarf variety that typically grows to about 3–4 feet tall and wide.
Leaves: The leaves are a bit larger than Munchkin’s but still small and finely textured, turning deep red in the fall.
Flowers: Like Munchkin, Pee Wee produces white flower clusters that turn pink as they age, with blooms appearing in mid-summer. The flowers are cone-shaped but can be a bit looser in form compared to Munchkin’s tight clusters.
Overall Look: Pee Wee has a more upright, slightly arching form than Munchkin’s rounded habit. Its overall structure is more open, allowing the flowers to stand out beautifully.
-
Ruby Slippers Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea
Size: Ruby Slippers grow to about 3–4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, offering a compact yet slightly more substantial presence in the garden.
Leaves: The leaves have the typical oakleaf shape and can turn a rich red or purple in the fall, creating a striking seasonal transition.
Flowers: One of the highlights of Ruby Slippers is its unique flowers. It has large, showy, white flower clusters that transform into a deep pink to ruby red as they age. The blooms are large and more expansive than other compact varieties.
Overall Look: The shrub has a broad, rounded shape with a more upright, dense structure. Its large, showy flowers and stunning fall colour make it an eye-catching choice for gardens.
Size: Sikes’ Dwarf is a true dwarf variety, growing to only about 2–3 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces or containers.
Leaves: The leaves are deeply lobed and have a fine texture, changing from green in the summer to vibrant red or purple in the fall.
Flowers: Sikes’ Dwarf produces creamy white flower clusters that may turn pink as they mature. The blooms are somewhat smaller than those of Ruby Slippers but still create a striking display against the foliage.
Overall Look: Sikes’ Dwarf has a compact, rounded shape, making it one of the most space-efficient oakleaf hydrangeas. The flowers, while not as large as those of Ruby Slippers, still provide a beautiful contrast to its colourful fall foliage.
Choose Between Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties Easily
Here’s a comparative table to distinguish the four compact oakleaf hydrangea varieties. This table provides a clear breakdown of their unique traits, helping you decide which variety best fits your garden’s needs!
| Variety | Size | Leaf Characteristics | Flower Characteristics | Fall Color | Shape/Structure |
| Munchkin | 2–3 feet tall & wide | Small, deeply lobed, fine-textured | White, cone-shaped flowers turning pink with age | Reddish-purple | Compact, rounded, dense |
| Pee Wee | 3–4 feet tall & wide | Small, finely textured leaves, larger than Munchkin | White flowers turning pink, looser flower clusters | Deep red | Upright, slightly arching, open |
| Ruby Slippers | 3–4 feet tall & wide | Oakleaf shape, large leaves | Large, showy white flowers turning pink to ruby-red | Red to purple | Broad, rounded, dense, upright |
| Sikes’ Dwarf | 2–3 feet tall & wide | Deeply lobed, small leaves | White, smaller flowers turning pink | Vibrant red/purple | Compact, rounded, space-efficient |
Key Distinctions to Identify the Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties
- Size: Munchkin and Sikes’ Dwarf are the smallest, ideal for tight spaces. Ruby Slippers and Pee Wee are slightly larger but still compact.
- Flowers: Ruby Slippers has the largest, most dramatic flowers, transitioning to a striking ruby-red colour. Munchkin and Sikes’ Dwarf have smaller, more compact flowers, while Pee Wee’s flowers are slightly looser.
- Fall Color: All varieties offer excellent fall colour, ranging from deep red to purple, with Ruby Slippers providing the most intense colour change.
- Shape: Munchkin and Sikes’ Dwarf have a denser, more rounded habit, while Pee Wee and Ruby Slippers are more upright or open in structure.
Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties Caring Tips
Here’s how I care for my compact oakleaf hydrangeas, like Munchkin, Pee Wee, Ruby Slippers, and Sikes’ Dwarf:
- Light Requirements
I usually plant my oakleaf hydrangeas in partial shade or dappled sunlight. I’ve found that they do best with some protection from the hot midday sun, especially in warmer climates. If I’m in a cooler area, they can handle a bit more sun, but too much direct sunlight in hot regions can cause the leaves to scorch.
- Soil Preferences
I make sure to plant mine in well-drained, moist soil that’s a bit acidic (around pH 5.5 to 6.5). If my soil is too clayey or compacted, I’ll mix in some compost or organic matter to help with drainage. I also like to add a bit of peat moss to help acidify the soil if it’s too alkaline.
- Watering
I water my oakleaf hydrangeas regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. I make sure to water deeply so the roots get enough moisture, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base is key for me—it helps to retain moisture and keeps the roots cool in summer.
- Fertilization
In early spring, I fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to kickstart new growth. Sometimes, I’ll add another round in mid-summer if I feel the plant needs a little boost. I prefer using a fertilizer meant for acid-loving plants (like one for azaleas or rhododendrons). I make sure not to over-fertilize because that can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
- Pruning
I prune my oakleaf hydrangeas right after they finish blooming in late summer or early fall. Since they bloom on old wood, I’m careful not to prune too early, or I might cut off next year’s flowers. I remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out any overcrowded parts to improve air circulation.
- Winter Care
Oakleaf hydrangeas are pretty hardy in my zone (5–9), but in colder winters, I protect the roots with a thick layer of mulch (3–4 inches) around the base. If it’s an especially cold season, I might wrap the plant in burlap or use a plant protector to shield it from winter winds. I don’t prune too much before winter since I leave the foliage on to help protect the plant from the cold.
- Pest & Disease Control
Fortunately, I don’t have many pest problems with my oakleaf hydrangeas, but I do keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites. If I spot them, I just spray them off with water or use insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew, which can appear in humid conditions, I try to avoid overcrowding and ensure the plants have good airflow. If necessary, I’ll treat it with a fungicide.
- Mulching
I always apply a layer of mulch around my hydrangeas. It helps to retain moisture and keeps the soil temperature more stable. I use organic mulches like bark or wood chips. I make sure to keep the mulch away from the plant’s stems to prevent rot.
- Re-potting & Container Growing (Optional)
Since I love growing some of the smaller varieties like Munchkin and Sikes’ Dwarf in containers, I always make sure the pot has good drainage holes. I use a high-quality potting mix designed for shrubs and repot them every 2–3 years to refresh the soil and check the roots. When repotting, I choose a pot that’s 1–2 inches larger than the last one to give the roots room to grow.
In colder climates, I make sure to mulch around the base of my plants in the fall to keep the roots protected from freezing temperatures. I add about 3–4 inches of mulch and avoid piling it directly onto the stem.
By following these simple steps, I’ve been able to keep my oakleaf hydrangeas healthy and vibrant, year after year. They’ve been a great addition to my garden, with their stunning blooms and beautiful seasonal colour!
Summary,
Munchkin and Pee Wee are the smallest, with Munchkin being a little more compact and denser, while Pee Wee is slightly taller and more open in form. Ruby Slippers has the largest flowers, with a striking colour change, and a fuller, more rounded form, making it a standout choice for visual impact.
Sikes’ Dwarf is the most diminutive of them all, perfect for those looking for a smaller shrub with similar traits to larger oakleaf varieties.
Each of these compact oakleaf hydrangeas offers a distinct aesthetic while sharing the unique beauty of the oakleaf hydrangea’s broad leaves and showy blooms. Their smaller sizes make them ideal for garden borders, containers, or smaller garden spaces while still providing vibrant seasonal colour.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.