I would look to the watering first. The close proximity to the cypress presents a tricky situation to ensure correct and even soil moisture and an ongoing need to supplement as necessary.

This seems to be a continuing issue with your garden.

@gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) Lots of gardens have watering issues. And all of my neighbors frequently see their plants die when they are establishing. The only thing that makes me different is that I try to learn from each failure, and I don't mind exposing it to public view.

Please remember that I am not photographing and posting about the many success stories in my garden. Maybe I should.

@gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) Here are some plantings that actually worked, just peeking out my front door.

@floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK The Hydrangea has been in that pot about three years, and it keeps getting larger. It's clear it needs a bigger pot.

@floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK I took a photo of the Hydrangea from the back side so you could see the pot. My guess is the pot is about 17 inches wide at the top. During the hottest days of Summer it is not uncommon for this plant to start wilting, and so far a deep watering recovers it quickly. But the roots are clearly outgrowing the pot. Fortunately, the plant is in the shade except for a few inches of the outer edge.

I have had a similar Hydrangea in a larger pot for about five years. In our recent hot spell some leaves have actually burnt crispy which has never happened before. I've moved it to a shadier spot.

@floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK That's a nice plant. I wonder if the yellow leaves are suggesting iron deficiency?

They aren't yellow irl. They may look a bit yellow in the picture

@floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK It looks like there is a lowering of color around the veins of many of the leaves, which looks like some kind of iron issue.

If you say so. It really doesn't bother me. I'm happy with my garden as it is and don't sweat the minutiae of soil chemistry.