My first year was also a disappointment but the second year it is full of blooms. We will see if it really reblooms. Al

Hi Connie - I don't know what zone you are in, but I'm in zone 6 SE Michigan. Many of my neighbors are also complaining about their ES and I'm whining about my All Summer Beauty - great foliage, very few if ANY blooms. The last 2 winters have been so freezing cold, that unless you are committed to doing major winterizing to protect them, it's just not going to happen. Many of us here are slowly but surely deciding to switch out to hydrangeas like Quick Fire, Lime Light and those that grow on new wood. We're giving up the battle!!

I hope you have better luck - Mary

Some winter protection is highly recommended in zone 6 or below. Especially in the first 3-5 years in a location. Wet soil (roots below water table) should be avoided, as well as close proximity to evergreen trees and shrubs. Planting hole should also not have hard clay walls. The whole bed should be tilled, free of tree roots enriched/amended and tamped back down.

The other determining factors are:

Winter severity, small or weak root system, high-nitrogen soil, nutrient deprivation.

Resolve those issues and your bloom issues will be as well.

I bought an Endless Summer when it first came out. It performed horribly. I would have to say it's the worst hydrangea I've ever owned. After a few years, I ignored it and it eventually died. I don't miss it. I don't buy macrophylla's any more.

Macs are definitely a money-making venture, because they require some maintenance, where most buyers are simply unaware of it or unwilling to do it.

So basically, if you're not in zone 7 and up and don't: mulch, water 3 times per week if little or no rain, fertilize twice per growing season, winter-protect at least the crown area, plant correctly - you will get poor results. Basically you NEED to simulate a sub-tropical or maritime growing environment, because the plants are NOT native to the areas in which they are marketed. The closer you get to the native environment, the better off you are.

To me, the effort is worth it because the blooming time, size, and colors are unmatched, and I've found that more native plants like roses, azaleas/rhodies, viburnums and such can have their own share of difficulties that can be hard to chase after.