Thanks per usual Luis.

I've been having the neighor's kids water the plants this summer to try and keep them busy. So I have them water when we haven't had rain. Probably inconsistent pattern. We've had lots of rain here in Raleigh. I'll increase water as I think they haven't been watering enough and will add some compost as I have some ready to go.

Thanks

When the kids water, have them "measure" -somehow- how much water they used. For example, say that they filled "the blue watering container twice".

After they are done watering, have them test the soil in a few places to see if they used enough water: insert a finger to a depth of 8" and see if the soil feels dry, moist or soggy down there.

If they hit spots where the soil feels dry, note in a calendar that the next time that they water, they need to fill the blue watering container three times instead of two times (just an example). Ask them to check several spots 360° around the CH to see if they used enough water.

Once they get the feel for how much water to use, they should not need to test this way always unless the environment has changed markedly somehow (more/less windy, humid, rainy, sunny, hot/cold).

Ok. Good idea.

Thanks

There are a lot of chores I can see kids handling, but trusting them to judge how much water to put down at any given time isn't one of them. I have too much invested out there to be losing plants to something so easily done.

IMO. Not a kid person, lol.

Oh yes. That’s why I’m usually there with them about 90% of the time and they were watering all established plants except this one hydrangea. I know to keep an eye on things first few years. I checked it yesterday and it was dry despite all the rain we’ve had. I’m finding that judging moisture is tough especially because we have so many oak trees blocking things. This might be a case of wrong place for a plant.

The trees will block the rain and then use up every bit of moisture in the soil. Try watering till the water runs off. Go to another spot and water the same way. After watering the third spot,return to the first and repeat. When finished do it again a third time. This will give the water time to seep in deeply and really water the plant. If as you say, these are under oaks it may real difficult to give them enough summer water to keep them in good shape. If you move them, be sure to wait for rainy and cooler weather. If the roots look dry when you dig it up, soak it in a large bucket of water for several hours to really hydrate the plant. You can soak any hydrangea and then replant. I do this when the small containers of cuttings dry completely and the leaves start to shrivel up. They will rehydrate and carry on like nothing bad happened. Hydrangeas are survivors if they are grown in the right climate. Zone 7 should be just fine for them.

I've been wondering just how much the trees block. Hard to tell. I have to be more agressive about feelign with my finger as Luis mentions. I do know since I've increased the watering the plant looks a little better. Not great though so I'm worried becuase it's still too hot here to move anything. The plant looked great the first couple of months in this spot so maybe the sun amount is right.

Thanks for tip on bucket hyrdation.

My other hydrangeas are doing well, paniculatas.

Shoudl I feed this one with some food or miracle grow, etc..will that help?

Thanks,

Al

NO NO NO!!! Do not feed. Fertilizer will not help and may kill it. Would you feed a steak to a sick child? Of course not. Fertilizer is not a cure-all and most of the time is overused. If the plant looks better with the water - then you are on the right track.