don't understand..if you plant it so the "trunk is straight" (which is ideal) but you don't like how it looks would you be staking it crooked?

I know - that didn't sound right, however, when we tilt the base so that the trunk is straight, the top looks all wonky. But, when we just push the trunk over a bit, the top looks ok. Does that make sense? What I'm concerned about is shoving a stake down through the roots.

could you prune the top once you plant it straight?..I've heard nature's way is not to stake woody plants..creates weak trunks..they're supposed to move in the wind..

I did not know that. I think it would look better with a straight trunk. Yes, I could prune the top into shape next March, so I'm not totally worried about the top not being symmetrical. I'm just worried about breaking roots with the stake.

damaging roots would not be good..I hate crooked trunks..I would plant it straight & prune the lopsided branches after planting..

Sounds reasonable. It is somewhat protected in the corner of the house and porch, but I still think it needs staking because of the wind. Maybe 3 posts outside of the root zone with ties to the trunk would be the best solution. At least for a couple years. I've never staked anything that way so will have to research it. Standards are new to me, so thanks, nicholsworth55, for your input.

Put at least three stakes - four is better - around the drip line - that is about the distance from the trunk to the edge of the top. The use soft twine and gently loop the twine from the stake around the trunk and tie with a slip knot or anyway that the ties can be adjusted. Loop the other stakes the same way. Pulling gently to support the trunk to that side or leave lose if it does not lean that way. I hope this makes sense but think of how you would stabilize a pole in the ground. If you do it gently and over a bit of time, the top will grow straight up and the lean will be corrected. A bit of trimming here and there over time will also help.

Here is an illustration of how I would stake your hydrangea - but i would use three or four stakes.

Use at least two stakes. I wouldn't worry about damaging roots. You're only talking about a thin 2" hole or so, and there are plenty of roots to compensate.

I'm grateful for your suggestions, ophoenix and springwood_gardens, especially since this is new to me. I have 3 pieces of rebar and some stretchy nylon stockings to use for ties that should have just enough give so the trunk is stable but not rigid. I will keep an eye on it and hope for the best.