How much watering are they getting? And how well is it draining? Insert a finger into the soil to a depth of 3-4" and determine how the soil feels. Water only when the soil feels dry or almost dry. Once you notice a watering pattern developing then water on that frequency (every 3 or 4 days for example). Increase during the summer and decrease in the fall. Wilting episodes -common with newly planted hydrangeas- can be ignored if the plant recovers on its own by next morning. They are common at the start of summer too and can be used to tell when to regularly increase the amount of water to a higher level for the duration of summer. Apply 3-4" of mulch through the drip line (or past) in order to conserve moisture and reduce the need for watering.

Control the urge to water any time that you see wilting as too much water or standing water can promote Phytophthora Root Rot. Symptoms are: sudden wilting of foliage (specially from the top downwards), yellowing of leaves, shedding leaves, stunted growth, brownish looking (dark discolored) feeder roots (instead of white or off-white). When the fungal infection invades the crown, a brown discoloration of tissues below the bark may then extend up the stem above the soil line.

Good sanitation/watering practices and fungicides will prevent outbreaks but not cure them. Look for fungicides containing one of these active ingredients: forsetyl-Al, propamocarb or thiophanate-methyl + etridiazole. Examples are Subdue, Aliette. Any new plantings in that area should get better drainage and perhaps be above any waterlogged soil. A good local nursery or Extension Service can help aid in the diagnosis.

Finally, consider not planting any varieties of hydrangea quercifolias in this area as they are very susceptible to this fungus. Do not plant Camellia Japonicas in there either; Sasanquas are more resistant. If you plant any azaleas or rhodies, use root rot resistant varieties. Consider these rhododendron hybrids: Caroline, Martha Isaacson, Professor Hugo de Vries; or these azaleas: R. poukhanese, Formosa, Fakir and Corrine Murrah.

Luis