Question
I just put three 'Pia' hydrangea in the ground, and the sign at the nursery said they don't like sun, put in shade.  I didn't realize the area I put them got so much sun, and I'm trying to decide if I should move them.
I live in Westminster, MD, which is about 13 miles from the Pennsylvania line.  The hydrangea are on the south side of my house, but I have two huge sugar maples, which give me a lot of shade.  The soil is clay, which I am constantly trying to amend, the weather has been in the 80-90 range lately and we have a lot of humidity in the summer....they are not wilting, but look a bit tired I would say.
Nonetheless, I have been watching the plants, and they are getting sun on and off from about 8:30AM to 2:30PM as the sun passes over the trees.
I've read not to have afternoon sun, but what is considered afternoon sun, and should I give these a chance to see how they do?  Thanks for any help you can give.

Answer
Hello Pam

Yes hydrangeas do like mostly shady conditions.  If they are in full sun they will wilt during the day and perk up in the evening.  This puts them under great stress.

Hydrangeas also need plenty of moisture.  You don't say how far away the sugar maples are.  If they are quite a long way from the hydrangeas this should be fine - the hydrangeas will be quite happy with the dappled shade.  If the trees are very close they will be taking most of the moisture out of the ground, which will be further stressing your new plants.

If the trees are not too close, I'd leave the hydrangeas where they are, but do remember to water them regularly, especially as they are new plants and will need time to get their roots down into the ground.

If the trees are close to the hydrangeas, then on balance I think, as you have only recently planted them, I would recommend that you move them if you have a shady and moisture retentive spot for them to go to.  Remember to keep them well watered in dry spells.

Afternoon sun - say from about midday to 4 pm.

Gill