H. quercifolia is the only hydrangea I have in the yard. A seedling I got at a swap years ago, it's gotten pretty large.

They usually have nice fall color.

That is impressive when even not in full bloom! And so this begs the request to post a photo when it is full flower.

I love love love love LOVE oakleaf hydrangeas. I'd love them even without the massive blooms just for the massive-sized foliage. Even better is the massive-sized rich burgundy fall foliage!

I have "Snow Queen" and some other large no-name ones which have gotten well established over the years. Also have "Pee Wee", which is a fine shorter cultivar.

Oakleafs can be touchy in colder zones until fully established IME - some TLC the first few winters until they really root in well and then they're totally care-free. Nothing bothers them, either pest or disease, IME at least. Just make sure they're well watered with at least partial sun and WOWZA!

Will try to snap pics and post later - in case anyone is needing a push over the edge :0p

i love them - but they don't love me! Hardiness is definitely an issue here, probably compounded by the hot, dry summers. I'd love to have one that looks as healthy as BlueBirdPeony's!

woodyoak - It's only a suggestion but if you're so inclined, set a recycled gallon milk jug close to the base of the plant and fill it with water. Punch a pinhole an inch from the bottom of the jug and let it water the plant at the base. It's the poor man's irrigation system. Foliage generally hides the jug from view. It's kept my hydrangeas & astilbes alive through a drought season or two.

Wow. Nice.

here they get 8-10 feet tall and as wide-yes once established they are gold!

I have the cultivar 'Alice' (won as a door prize 7-8 years ago) which is supposed to be a vigorous selection by Michael Dirr. It blooms on old wood, so didn't bloom for probably the first five years I had it, due to winterkill. If it wasn't for the attractive red leaves in the fall, I would have ripped it out. I guess it finally got acclimatized to its new planting location and has bloomed each year since then. It must be just borderline hardy for me, and the dry summers don't help either.