Proper care involves regular watering, mulching, occasional feeding, and careful pruning. Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during the first growing season and periods of hot or dry weather. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Prune after flowering because Oakleaf hydrangea (https://abodelook.com/knowledge-hub/oakleaf-hydrangea/) produces flower buds on older wood. Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches, while avoiding unnecessary heavy pruning that could reduce flowering the following year.