I live in Sacramento (zones 9 & 14)and have had hydrangeas, in the ground, in full shade with late afternoon sun for 2 or 3 years. They are still alive but always look terrible, the flowers dry up really fast and the leaves scorch pretty bad. Plus they wilt really really easily. This winter I plan to move them to spots that receive afternoon shade. I suggest that you continue growing your plants in the pots or find a way to shade the transplants with pm sun.

Can't help you with the hosta department, I have never transplanted mine but, if I were you, I would wait until they go dormant (not too much longer).

Thanks Melle, I was afraid that would be the problem. I live in Redding, north of you and our summers are brutal.

Calpat, my mom lives up there, and she's an addict when it comes to Hydrangeas. :D She has all of hers in large, decorative pots in full shade (dappled sunlight through the mulberries), and they are gorgeous. I usually give her a hard time about leaving plants in pots, but in this case, they're definitely happy in them. :)

I'm not sure about the Hosta, either. Mine didn't bother to flower this year, then it slowly died away. Keeping my fingers crossed for next year.

Brenda

I talked to my mom yesterday, and she said to also let you know that, during the heat of summer, she waters her Hydrangeas every day. Even in the shade, they live up to the "hydra" in their name. :D

Brenda

Brenda, please thank your Mom for the info. you too!
I did find out that even in the shade of my patio I had to water every day during the summer.

Years ago,I planted two different florist hydrangeas in two places in my yard, both of which get plenty of afternoon shade. I tried to give them lots of hand-watering to supplement the drip system, and every year I'd end up with burnt leaves. So this year I got REALLY MAD. I took some of that drip hose that has the laser holes at six-inch intervals, and made two concentric circles with T joints attaching the circles to the main drip line. One circle was as tight as possible surrounding the plant, the other was larger, almost as big as the plant's circumferance. This year the hydrangeas were extremely happy with me and grew and thrived on the new watering system. No burnt leaves. Note to self (and everybody else): Hydrangeas need ridiculous amounts of water in the hot zones of California.

qsteele, thanks for the reply, you're right, they do need lots of water. I have plenty of drip hose,I'll see if I can get it together as you described. Thanks again! Pat