“I moved in this spring and apparently the weather and I are still negotiating terms.”
This hydrangea is most likely declining from transplant shock, made worse by afternoon sun and inconsistent moisture. The green, firm stems at the base are a good sign that the plant is still alive, but the browned, curled foliage and dieback above suggest the top growth has been stressed and partly lost. In Milwaukee, a newly planted hydrangea can struggle quickly if it gets drying sun, reflected heat from the wall, or brief drying between waterings.
Stabilize moisture and reduce stress
Keep the root zone evenly moist, protect it from the hottest afternoon exposure if possible, and avoid pruning more than dead, clearly brittle growth right now.
Also possible, but less likely
What would prove it
Watch for rebound from the base
Look for fresh shoots and firm green growth starting low on the plant. If the base stays green but no new growth appears, the plant may still recover slowly; if stems start browning from the base upward, root or stem damage is worsening.
Turn this into a recovery case
One photo gives a diagnosis. Tracking proves whether the plant is recovering.
Don’t leave the diagnosis hanging 🌱
Save it now, then use the next photo to confirm if this was the right call.
Create account & save plant 🌱