I took mine out a long time ago, simply because it always needed support. I have not had any infestation on any mophead Hydrangeas or the Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lime' that I added. I highly recommend the Hydrangea paniculatas. I love them. I'm not sure which variety is the best. I have mine in full sun, so I don't know how it would perform in afternoon sun.

I seem to remember reading that mophead Hydrangeas prefer either an East or West location but not both. Sorry, I can't remember which one. But making sure it is in it's preferred growing conditions, might prevent health issues.

There are so many Hydrangea varieties now, you might want to do a lot of research. I'm surprised you didn't get more responses, so many GW members grow Hydrangea. You could also ask questions about the infestation and a replacement for Annabelle, at your favorite nursery.

I would also suggest adding the Perennial forum for posting, since that is sometimes pretty active and a lot of people who post there have shrubs too.

I've never heard of the leaftier moth, I had to look that one up. I've not noticed any damage from these yet, fortunately. I have one Annabelle with an area that looks a little wonky, kinda like the pictures of leaf damage, I will have to cut off that stem.

I like paniculatas and oakleafs, but they're a completely different look. Mopheads and lacecaps don't bloom reliably in MI; maybe if in a sheltered location you might be ok with those. I used to have "Endless Summer" at my other house -- endless summer my *ss... LOL!

I still have 'Endless Summer' and it hardly blooms. I would move it into more sun but I don't have a lot and I bought it to grow in part shade because I have so much of that. That's why I'm happy with the paniculatas. I put them in full sun and they bloom every season a LOT without fail.