Kind of a related note: I saw a talk by Fred Spicer (Birmingham Botanical Garden Director) on native hydrangeas and vines. I was interested to hear him say that BBG is basically giving up on introducing any more hydrangeas (mopheads, lacecaps, etc.) and only more drought tolerant types (native oakleafs) will be added. He said the watering requirements were too demanding, and he thought it was better to let Aldridge gardens feature these plants in better condition, where they have a lake available they use for irrigation. So the extra TLC they need has been definitely noted, especially in these dry times, when watering costs are a factor.

thanks for the tips...I suspected that might be the best choice, the downside is that the north facing side of my GH is really isolated and out of view from about everything. So they wont get many "looks", but maybe I can figure a way to position them on the corners so that they can peek around from each end and be seen.

Good to know okokkok. I looked at them again and after taking dead leaves off, they look surprisingly good! I've been watching them pretty much all day to see just how much (if any) shade they do get. Well, the shade came just to the back of the plants about 2:30 this afternoon, then receded. I'm thinking of moving them closer to the house and I think they would be shaded for a good part of the day. I've looked all around my front and back yards and cannot see any spot (that's not under trees) that would be more suitable. Wish I'd done more research before I bought them, that's really not like me to jump into something without reading everything I can about it first:( Gaylene

Hello, Josh. It is all relative and depends on where you are. Oakleaf hydrangeas can take a lot of sun (and more than mopheads), especially where the sun is weak in the summer months, For example, in the northeast and some of the northernmost states, they will do fine with morning sun and a few hours of afternoon sun. But in the South with the sun like I get in Texas, the leaves get sunscorch after 12pm in the summer. Hydrangeas are understory shrubs so they will do fine underneath a tree just about everywhere. Dappled sun is just peachy with them. I have some oakleaf hydrangeas under a Crape Myrtle too. If you decide to put them under a tree, make sure that the tree's roots will not be invasive and the tree does not produce juglone. I find that one has to play a little with the location. Down here, the Fall sun starts coming at an angle and what looked fine in the summer may not get too much sun in the Fall. Feel free to experiment by putting them in pots in one location and move the pots if you are not happy with the results. When you settle on a location then plant them in the ground. Note: if the location gives them too much sun, the leaves will turn yellow-ish or an off white-ish color, including the leaf's veins. Which ones are you planting? Luis