Well, they do need their water, especially in Texas.

Hydrangeas, in general, require more water than other part-shade plants. And Oakleaf Hydrangeas are probably the most drought tolerant of all hydrangeas. Which may be the reason why you have had difficulty with Macs while the Oakleaf hydrangeas are doing great.

I use drip irrigation with all the hydrangeas but, during the worst part of the summer, that is not enough. I have to hand water once a week. A location that "protects" them from losing moisture during our months-long 100+ degree summers helps (think of a place with no wind or very little drying summer winds). And of course, 3-4" of mulch also helps. I let the mulch extend past the drip line.

A location that provides shade starting at 11am to 12pm is preferred by all hydrangeas in my area. Of course, after doing all that, yes, there will still be days when they droop; can't blame them with all these 100+ degree temps that we get. Luckily, they usually recover on their own at night provided they are well watered.

I have used organic compost and fertilizers like cottonseed meal in Spring. A 1/2 cup to 1 cup works for a hydrangeas that has been purchased recently. More on larger shrubs. Then during the growing season, I use coffee grounds, liquid seaweed, liquid fish, etc but, do stop all fertilizers by the end of June so the plants go dormant at the proper time.

I also apply soil amendments to acidify my alkaline soil in Spring and July-September. If you need to acidify where you live, you could apply the amendments now (instead of during Spring) because, now, there are no leaves to speak of on the shrubs and you can see what you are doing and how much amendments are falling and where... although I suspect a tiny number of your Oakleafs Hydrangeas may still have green leaves (I have had this happen in some years).

As for music, well, I have not tried that. Dogs barking is the closest I have tried. But feel free to give it a try and post the results so we know how that worked for you.

;o)

Luis