When were they planted?

The astrantia was planted spring ‘24 and did very well in this spot last year but is much bigger now. The rhododendron was just planted last fall!

Is the rain actually getting to their roots? How does the soil feel a few inches down?

It feels damp - definitely not dry. I have clay soil but amended with compost and most of my plants are quite happy so I don’t think they’re too wet either. Very strange. Maybe I just need to wait and see?

Do they look a bit droopy all day or just for an hour or so. My poor hardy geraniums let me know every afternoon how offended they are with my villainous placing (and subsequent idleness) but I ignore the sulking and they perk right up again (and when the indigofera fills out etc.etc).

The astrantias have perked up now that they are shaded but not the rhody, I am afraid! Today is the first day that I have noticed this to be honest.

I have the same phenomenon with Geranium macrorrhizum, Camps. Droopy in sun. Fine in the evening.

Can you rig up temporary shade for the rhody (patio umbrella, folding chair, cardboard box, etc)?

I don't have the soil for rhodies so don't grow them but I do think the morning sun can be brutal after a cold night, for some understorey shrubs, ( mostly for blossom damage. I wouldn't grow a camellia in that aspect either). I too, think it worth putting up a temporary shade cloth as the rhodie will really need a full season to fully establish. Astrantias, otoh, can manage perfectly well with quite a lot of sun as long as they have moisture at the roots.

Wonderful idea to put up a temporary shade to get the rhody to a good place before summer. It is only 2-3’ wide now (supposed to be 5’ at most but I get the feeling that the tag was wrong!)I’ll try and fashion one with some leftover cloth and let you all know how it goes. Thank you so much!!

I'm not sure it's too much sun. We've had a rainy spring and a ton of rain recently and some of my plants are droopy. Not from drought or too much sun, that's for sure.