pix.. big city location.. any info on fert.. watering.. soil type.. drainage.. etc.. and perhaps what kind of H ... i think of them more as a perennial rather than a shrub.. so i am a bit confused how large you grow these things.. and what kind they are ....

in every post about plants.. include your big city location.. you might be surprised how often it matter... e.g. if you are failing in arizona.. i might have an idea why .. lol ...

you really havent given us much to go on.. besides they wilt ..

ken

" i think of them more as a perennial rather than a shrub.. so i am a bit confused how large you grow these things.. and what kind they are .... "

And that thinking would be wrong. Any plant that forms a permanent woody framework is considered a shrub rather than a herbaceous or die to the ground each winter perennial. And depending on the type of hydrangea, they can get very large. 8'x8' for a bigleaf or oakleaf hydrangea would not be unusual in suitable locations.

Oak Leaf Hyndrangea and it's happened to more than one. Live in Zone 7a and the soil is sandy loam. They get 1 gallon of drip irrigation every 7 days, unless there's rain. As far as fertilization, they all get a balanced application once each early spring.

Is there any evidence of Hydrangea cane borers? I've no experience of it but apparently wilted shoots are a symptom.

Oakleaf hydrangeas are very sensitive to excess soil moisture and of any hydrangea species, are the most prone to root rots.

Also worth checking for borers but typically their presence will be fairly obvious and not just with wilted canes. You should be seeing frass and a sawdust like debris at the base of the plant, stunted growth and a uniformly yellow discoloration and oozing sap from the infected canes.

Thanks everyone, I'll check for cane borers.

I have another hydrangea that was healthy last week and now one limb has wilted leaves. I checked and don't see cane borers. This hydrangea has been in the location for 10 years and has never had this issue. Any ideas?

After doing more research into this issue, it could be Verticillium wilt. It presents in different susceptible plants differently and with hydrangeas, single or random stem dieback is a symptom. It is difficult for a homeowner to diagnose accurately so cutting back the damaged stem/cane and taking intact to your county extension office is highly advised for confirmation. They can also recommend some possible treatment options to help the plant although the disease is not curable.

I cut off the wilting stem at the ground. My bet is that the entire shrub will die.