I like oakleaf better.

My Annabelle keeps falling over and I haven't figured out how to prune (or not prune) to improve this situation. By contrast, my oakleaf hydrangeas are lovely and firmly upright all the time. The old blooms turn pink actually on the oakleaf. Both plants seem to retain their old blooms until you remove them or some act of nature snaps them off.

The fall foliage on the oakleaf is another point in its favor.

That's good to know that the oakleaf stands up better. I had put a ring around my Annabelle, but it still wasn't standing up as well as I would have liked. Do you have a favorite Oakleaf?

Laurie

There was a recent good discussion of oakleaf hydrangeas that might be of some help. Check the link below: Oakleaf Hydrangea Discussion.

I remember seeing a photo of one oakleaf in this discussion that had gorgeous full blooms, looking more like an Annabelle bloom in fullness (though shaped differently of course). The blooms were not airy and see through like a lot of oakleaf blooms.

I also have heard great things about snowflake which has double florets and also has very full/showy blooms. Of course, you always have the easier to find Alice and Snow Queen. I personally love oakleaf hydrangeas, but I love Annabelle as well. Who am I kidding - I just love hydrangeas!

Hope this helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: Oakleaf Hydrangea Discussion

For me, they serve different purposes.

Annabelle is a stupendous bloomer for me, I grow her primarily for the blooms (the greening issue doesn't bother me, and I also enjoy the dried flower heads on the bushes over winter - we need all the winter interest we can get up here).

I grow oakleafs primarily for the foliage - the foliage is outstanding. I do get blooms on my oakleafs, but not very many (I'm thinking they're in a bit too much shade). The blooms are lovely - HUGE, quite showy. Still, it's the foliage effect I'm after. The foliage is lush and healthy all season, and because the leaves are huge it gives an interesting effect in the shrub boder. In the fall the leaves turn a gorgeous burgundy/red (more sun = more red), an added bonus.

I think they are quite different plants and look better in different areas... but for me, I would go for Annabelle any time!

Comparing apples to oranges IMHO.

Just keep in mind that if you "lost your Annabelles to an unusual amount of rain" (I'm assuming poor drainage??) you would have lost your Oakleafs in half the time! They absolutely will not tolorate wet feet.

I believe the Oakleaf that Stillwelljill is referring to is called Harmony but due to the dense heads, it too will flop as will Snowflake, but they still look stunning doing so. SnowQueen is probably the most upright. Vaughn's Lillie is one that I am dying to get me hands on!....yg

The Oakleaf stillwelljill is probably referring to is the Vaughn's Lillie photo that I posted in the thread mentioned. I don't recall any other photos other than one of Alice. The Harmony is a much larger plant with heavier blooms that do flop somewhat like Annabelle. Here are the photos I posted of my Vaughn's Lillie Oakleaf:

Closeup of bloom -

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The Vaughn's Lillie hydrangea that I have has been a LOVE and a fantastic bloomer for such a young small plant (about 2 1/2 feet tall with close to a dozen huge blooms this year. The photo was taken in bright morning sun and causes the leaves to look much lighter in color than they actually are. It also has some of the best fall color of any Oakleaf I have ever seen. This small plant holds these heavy blooms quite nicely without falling onto the ground. It should mature to about 4 1/2 feet or so, and I can't imagine how many blooms I'll have when she's an adult.

I highly recommend this Oakleaf! The Harmony is my next one to buy. I have Alice, Snow Queen and Snowflake as well and am so pleased with all of them, but definitely the Vaughn's Lillie is my favorite little girl.

Hope you find one that pleases you as well.

Well, y'all mentioned the three that I've considered if I decide to go the Oakleaf route (Snowflake, Vaughns Lillie, Harmony). I'll have to look the others up. I guess one thing that might help me decide is which one is the biggest? I'm thinking I could use a fairly good size hydrangea. The foliage sounds pretty, but I definitely want something that blooms good.

Laurie

Actually I have the species oakleaf so the blooms don't weigh the plant down (as mentioned for some of the others). I have considered getting one of the double flowering ones, but didn't want droopiness.

As for good blooms, adequate sun is certainly a factor for either type. In Texas I imagine that good morning sun would be the best situation.

Good luck.

I'd go with an oakleaf every time :-) In my climate, this is a 4 season plant. Great foliage, very bold and textural. Mine (Snow Queen and Little Honey) are profuse bloomers with no drooping. Both have superb fall color and offer that shaggy, cinnamon colored bark in winter (as well as holding fall foliage). IMO, oakleaf hydrageas are just great shrubs with a place in any garden, period, not just excellent hydrangeas.

What about Dayspring? Would anyone recommend it?

Laurie

I don't know what your soil is like there, but around here it's clay and all this rain did a number on things that don't like wet feet. When I was considering Hydrangeas last year, someone suggested that the more tolerant Hydrangea Paniculata would be better for me. I think the Oakleafs for instance like a more acidic soil then I have, and as stated, will not tolerate poor drainage. So I planted a Paniculata and so far so good. It's got its first blooms on it and I'm tickled pink.

I lost one oakleaf due to all the unusual rain we had in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area this year but others were not affected. There was no water retention in the soil around the one that died or near the others. My point is that they can be sensitive if the soil does not drain well. Will I get another one? In a heartbeat but I will probably place it elsewhere. Bottom line: evaluate your plant's future location and then decide. Luis

Well, I've decided to go with the Oakleaf, but unfortunately I'll have to wait until next year because I can't find any in the nurseries right now.

Luis_pr - Have you seen any in your area?

Laurie

esh_ga - Do you have a picture of the species Oakleaf? I found a nursery that I think has it, but I'm wondering how it looks compared to Dayspring. Here's the link to the description of it. It doesn't mention any other names so that's why I'm thinking it's what you have.

Laurie

Here is a link that might be useful: Oakleaf Hydrangea