Mine is under some Nelly R. Stevens Hollies and does well in the bright shade but, I do have to water it. Hydrangeas typically do not like dry soil, but oakleafs can handle that better once they grow new roots and become established... after 2-3 years. Oakleaf hydrangeas are the most tolerant of those dry conditions. But do not go overboard; while they can handle some dry conditions, even they have a limit where dry is too dry... Browning from the edges inwards usually means that the leaves need more water. I have not encountered blooming issues in my bright shade location.

On the other hand, oakleaf hydrangeas will also quickly die if you place them where the roots will be in standing water for a long period of time. So be careful the location has no standing water problems when it pours a lot. I lost an Alice (oakleaf) for that reason.

Thank you. I plan to water it. It's at the top of a slope so I don't think I need to worry about standing water.

Thanks again!