The cause of the problem is that the hydrangea KNOWS that you planted it as a focal point. Just like a kid that knows you want it to behave in public.

I have an oakleaf that looked piddly the first year, ok the second, and gorgeous every year since. The only thing to do is wait and see. When it goes dormant, you could swap it with one of the hydrangeas that's doing well.

Some questions to ask. Is the soil around the focal point acidic enough? Is it in blazing sun? Does it get afternoon shade? If it's in blazing sun or doesn't get afternoon shade, I'd move it. Of course, there goes your focal point. Are the growing conditions for this hydrangea really different from the ones that are doing well? What's different? Are the branches that didn't leaf out alive - check for green just under the bark. If those branches are dead, definitely prune them. Then I'd wait to see what happens next spring. I wouldn't prune it this year except to remove dead branches. Good luck.

I think maybe you should look around you and note..what the soil conditions are around your plant..I am willing to bet you, and I am not a lottery person, that your one plant is not getting enough water..put a rinsed 2 liter bottle of water and pop it beside the plant..make sure that you leave the bottom cut out so that rain water can refill it.. refill it at least once a wk with a weak solution of manure tea and next year it will..KICK BUTT!!..They like other Hydrangeas..need just that..extra water and manure tea..use OAK LEAVES.. to make it ..I had a friend make this and hers bloomed after 12 years..If you do not know how to make this please contact me at..
merrissandjack@hotmail.com

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LOL Isn't that the truth!!
Thanks for the help guys. I will do some pamering and see if I can't make it a bit more happy and then see what she will do next spring!