Oakleaf Hydrangeas Proving Me Wrong? July 2026

In a series of posts (starting in January) and then via an individual "priority project" post and my 2026 to-do list, I've talked myself into the idea of replacing my Oakleaf Hydrangeas in the garden.  It was, in fact, my #1 task on the list.  NUMBER ONE.  

But, something changed.  I wrote about the 'surprise blooms' on these shrubs in Late June.  

And, now I'm reconsidering.  I might have, well....been.... wrong.

Why am I reconsidering?  Aside from those blooms.  I'm also seeing tons of foliage growth.  Even on some of the shrubs that I thought were dead from rabbits.  Here, below, is one of the Alice Oakleaf Hydrangeas that I thought was dead.  It is tucked in behind the peonies in the [Kitchen Curved] bed.  

But, when I look closer, I see a few shoots coming out of the ground, too.  See below for two of them:

This tells me that not only are the shrubs full of energy and growth.  But...also...that the (dang!) rabbits haven't gotten to them, yet.  *knock wood*

Here, below, is another shrub.  Looks good, doesn't it?

Here, below, is another one that has recovered and in bloom:

A little further back is one of the Snow Queen Oakleaf Hydrangeas.  This was presumed dead from the rabbits.  But, it is full of foliage.  There's something else to note in this photo, too:

Note the chicken wire fence that I stapled to the fence.  

I'm going to do the rest of the yard this Summer with this chicken wire.  And, then....might I be rid of those (dang) rabbits in the backyard?  A man can dream.