Outdoor containers can dry out very quickly, especially in a warm climate like much of CA. Daily wilting is often a sign of not enough water and can even be seen in hydrangeas planted in the ground in sunnier locations anywhere in the country. You may want to try a larger container that doesn't dry out quite so rapidly, water more frequently or plant your new hydrangea in the ground in a partially shady location. Daily watering is pretty much a given for this last suggestion through the first growing season as well.

And I'm not sure anyone is laughing :-) Bargain plants are a good deal anywhere, even if nameless and in CA, you have the advantage of being able to transition even fussy, coddled florist or greenhouse hydrangeas (which yours may nor may not be) very easily into the garden.

Along with trying a larger container, you might want to add some polymer water crystals.

I used some when I recently planted a couple of hydrangeas in the ground, and haven't had to water much at all, due to any wilting.

They are available at most big box stores, and probably any good nursery.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Water Crystals.

or rip up some diapers for the crystals in them. Same thing...keeps babies dry keeps plants moist when they release the water.

I'm having similar problems with hydrangea planted in the ground and I was afraid I was overwatering. Guess I need to water more....

I have a similar problem with an endless summer hydrangea - started out well in a pot on the north patio under the cover with a little morning sun, then the ends of the leaves looked fried so I moved it to all shade. Now it's wilting and it seems that the more I water it the worse it looks! I planted it in acidic soil and am watering with acid plant food almost every time I water it, which is every other day. I water thru the whole pot until it drains out the bottom. The pot is not too small, it's bigger than the plant and deep. Is it just too hot in Texas for this plant? It's been 100 and humid. What am I doing wrong?