This is regarding the previous message...I forgot to mention that I took off some damaged leaves but the rest of the leaves also start badly. Should I leave them like that? Will the leaves grow again?
Thanks!

Defentily getting scorched in the sun/heat. How hot has it been in your area lately? The real problem is they were in the deep shade previously/controlled environment before you bought them. Now it is a huge shock to get any kind of sun. If you can figure out a way to give them some extra shade for awhile that would really help. Then start to give them more sun little by little. Sorry no good ideas to give you on how to do that, other than an umbrella...LOL... No matter what they will eventually kick out of it, but will continue to look worse for the immediate future.
No matter what they need deep watering for the first two years to establish a good root system. But after that they will be carefree except for extreme heat and droughts. Greenhouse/Growers can really make them look good for market in a pot, but then spoil them for anykind of regular/normal conditions in the ground.
P.S. Some Macrophylla Hydrangeas are more sensative than others to the sun. What kind are yours?

I don't know anything about growing conditions in your area, but in general, one gallon of water every other day poured on a small newly planted hydrangea sounds a bit excessive to me. Are you sure the soil has dried out that much in 48 hours? Have you ever checked to see if they perk up on their own in the cooler evenings? Usually lightly spraying water on the soil is all that is needed by my hydrangeas that are drooping in the heat--assuming they have had some occasional good waterings also.

Until they settle in, put a lawnchair next to them to block some of the sunlight--and move the lawnchair as the sun moves, to make sure the chair is still shading the hydrangea.

Kate

I meant to add that if your hydrangeas are recent plantings, they should start performing better in the next month after their roots have had time to settle in and start growing in their new homes.

Kate

Dear all!
Thanks so much for your reply! yea the weather here in Northern CA is getting warmer recently..like 75 degree during the day...I am not sure what type Hydrangea is it because it didn't say on the pot.
And yea I check the soil with finger before I water. Sometimes it's hard to tell what is truly wet or dry. When I check every morning with my finger the soil feels like a bit sticky but no water left. It's definitely not super dry not sand though.

Sorry I don't describe this well..I am new to gardening ^_^

Water, for a recent transplant, needs to be applied directly to the rootball.

Pouring a gallon of water over the plant every day won't moisten the rootball, but will moisten the surrounding soil.

Water won't move sideways from the moist surrounding soil into the dry rootball.

The remedy:
1. apply water directly to the rootball.
2. Also, temporarily shade the plant for a while.

Bottom line: Transplant "shock" is common but *not* normal.

By deep watering I was basically saying what Jean is saying about water directly to the rootball. It is very good advice for your newly planted Hydrangea to establish them by giving water to the rootball. Good Luck!

Thanks all! Can any of you advise on how to water directly to the rootball? Should I dig some holes around the soil near the root and pour water into them?
Thanks!

Vicky

OP asked "Can any of you advise on how to water directly to the rootball?"

1. Turn the hose on to a very slow trickle.
2. Set the business end of the hose under the leaves but on top of the original rootball.
3. Drizzle for 5 minutes.
4. Repeat daily or as needed.