Pampas grass (Cortadera) that was either cut back hard or it's reviving from a serious frost. Joe

thanks for you input on the Heptacodium miconioides (and thanks for the name of the appropriate forum - if it doesn't check out, I'll try there. K

It's an oak leaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia. Great plant, and gorgeous fall color as well. I don't know what cultivar, but it sounds like your brother knows what he is talking about. There are a bunch of different cultivars, however.

Thanks! I have now added 2 additional photos. I hope they help (let me know if I need to add more). We do have a few crepe myrtles nearby. I hadn't considered the possibility this might be another one that randomly sprouted. I will carefully compare the leaves today. Thanks again, Alan