The Oakleaf Hydrangea is a species of hydrangea native to the southeastern United States. The leaves loosely resemble those of the Red Oak tree (Quercus rubra), giving this plant has a distinctive texture. Hardy to Zone 5 this hydrangea is a thinly and irregularly branched upright growing shrub. At maturity the Oakleaf Hydrangea measures 4 to 6 feet in height and equaled in width.
Blooming June through July the fragrant flowers emerge a creamy white that then turn pink/purple and then finally brown. The most striking feature of this shrub is not its flowers but the coarse textured foliage. The oppositely arranged leaves emerge green often a glossy green then changing to varying shades of purple, red and orange brown. Planted in sun to part shade this hydrangea does best planted in a border or mass planting not necessarily a individual specimen plant.
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I am seeking information about a possible disease in my Oakleaf Hydrangeas. I have a stand of 10 shrubs that are about 5 years old. They are blooming more prolifically this year than ever. However, the lower parts of the shrubs have leaves and flower buds that are shrunken and twisted looking. I can not see any evidence of insects. We have had an unusual amount of rainfall this year (south central Michigan). I am wondering if they are suffering from some root damage from poor drainage? If that is the case, what can be done?
Thank you for any input you can provide.