They are normally hard to find here in Texas. I recall seeing them in only one nursery and that was 2-3 years ago, I think. Being so cold hardy, I would expect more availability in the northern states. Have the local nurseries explained whether they did not order them this year or was it that the wholesaler did not stock them instead? An alternative, other than mail order or Internet, is to special order but you need a good nursery for that so ask a few places if they will special order for someone who has been patronizing them over the years... hint hint hint!

Stopped by a local nursery today and they had just received their first shipment of 'Annabelle'. Another nursery that I frequent did not receive any this year and very few Hydrangeas. We are still in a severe drought situation, which may explain the absence of Hydrangeas in our market, but why other markets don't have them? Don't know the answer.
Rb

I doubt that they are missing because of the drought. These weather folks cannot forecast droughts before they form... at least accurately. The order from plant nurseries to wholesalers probably get sent on the prior year so they would not know much about the incoming drought or how severe it was going to be. But you know what, I suppose they could cancel an order, although that may cost them $$$. Hmmm...

I have seen hydrangeas for sale all years, including in times when we were in one of those droughts but, perhaps the number of shrubs in stock was less. I would not have noticed.

Where are you at? California and the four corners are the only places I recall being in a drought. Any other places drying up?

Luis, you do realize you are replying to a 10 year old thread............:-)

No, I did not realize it! But I did go to the eye doctor today after lunch time and they dilated my eyes so I am going to blame the eye doctor! Ha! How funny! And I still have a hard time seeing bright web pages like the ones formatted by Gardenweb. Well, bright when your eyes have been dilated. Ha! Oh, me! :o))