We have a few hydrangeas around our yard. Some do better than others. It seems like those that get a little sun in the morning and then maybe a little (perhaps filtered through a larger tree) again in the afternoon do the best. Also, I think all of them are planted near a wall, but I'm not sure that matters. Good luck! What variety did you get? Our best ones are the oak leaf.

I planted some for my mom last summer and haven't had much luck with them!

I picked up the new hydrangea from "Gardeners Confidence" -- it's a lacecap "Midnight Duchess" macrophylla. There seem to be pretty good instructions on the tag. I'll write in my plantings once I decide where it will go...