Sorry to hear about the problem, jana73. Excessive moisture (the rains) may have done them in. Oakleafs require excellent drainage and I lost one about 2 years ago when the weather turned constantly rainy for several months. Clay soil, for example, does not drain well and may not work for oakleafs when one gets long periods of rain. The other hydrangea varieties are not as temperamental so feel free to replace them with other hydrangeas if you wish to.

To determine if the plants have or have not died, prune the stems down until you either hit some green or until you get down to the crown. If no stems remain alive, take no action other than to continue watering during dry winter spells. Wait until next May to know for sure. They should leaf out by then if they are still alive.

Next time I try an oakleaf, I am going to mix some rocks that absorb water or some of those plasticky looking crystals that do the same thing. And I will probably choose a location that has an incline (as opposed to a flat location); it may be a better place for them too.

Yes, I do have clay soil. When the rains began several months ago I also lost 11 Lantana plants due to the excessive rain, which I learned was the cause from a Lantana forum much like this one. I will prune the stems to determine whether or not they are dead and wait until May and pray they have survived. Thanks for your help!