Yea your Blue Heaven looks to have basically no die back. My 4 BH's died back to the halfway point or a little worse. I do not winter protect them. I really had to look hard but found one little bud on one of my BH's. Here is the pic of it Here are a few other pics of some better buds on other reblooming hydrangeas in my yard.

Kenstar how much sun does your BH get. I have found that it is my most sensative Hydrangea to the sun. They can't handle full sun pass 11am. It is still newly plated in my opinion, even though it was planted last Spring. Just pinch the browned out buds. It will need plenty of water still this year. Don't worry it is just going through some growing pains. The BH is very reliable for me and will be for you also. Just plenty of water it's first couple of years and morning sun. I also have one that only gets some dappled evening sun for an hour or two that does great! I bought this liquid from Pettiti's to turn them Blue that works like a charm and was only $2 for a bottle. Although that was a couple of years ago, might be a little more now. I have a soil PH right in the middle. No matter if they are planted pink or blue they all turn purple on me, but it is easy to change them back either way! I have one bed that leans more blue, so I have alot of fun playing with the colors!

I have that but it hasnt bloomed for me yet. Whats the secret? It is so beautiful. It looks healthy and everything. Just keep waiting, I guess. It will be worth it, though. Such a gorgeous color!!!! Tricia

Those are great, Karen! I particularly like the first one. They look very three-dimensional. I had envisioned more of the smaller "spheres" like that, but I think next time I'll have to use more oil and work more quickly. I painted the colored backgrounds myself. And in "My Blue Heaven" I used a blue glass pie plate. Thanks for sharing!