Wish I knew more to tell you. I had a purple waffle Pilea for years that would be happy outside in hours of direct sun while warm enough to be outside, made tiny white flowers. My instinct is that this plant needs more light, less water... Winter rays are much less strong than summer rays, might need shade during summer but is starved for light during the shorter, weaker days. A lot of house plants can be like that, at least from what I've seen.

Thank you for your valuable input, Rhizo. After reading your post, I reread about neem use against psyllids. "Results have generally been poor against whiteflies, pepper maggots, and psyllids." (Source: www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pp/resourceguide/mfs/08neem.php) Another, albeit specifically mentioning tomato/potato psyllids (not sure if its the same psyllid): "Soap spray results have been disappointing and neem has not worked." (Source: www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Pests/psyllids.htm) Does anyone have knowledge of neem's ability to have systemic effects on Pepper Psyllid on the Brazilian Pepper tree? I am tempted to mix up a batch of Neem Concentrate (www.greenlightco.com/products/neem/)and water the tree roots. Good idea or bad idea? If good idea, would the Neem mix rate per gallon of water would be the same for systemic application (2 tablespoons per gallon) as it is for foliar spraying? btw, Rhizo, you are so right about Ladybugs. In the past, when I have released thousands in one day, only a few dozen insects stay around. I wish that my neighbors on all sides would release thousands, maybe some would flee to my property... Here is a link that might be useful: Green Light brand Neem Concentrate BOTTLE LABEL (pdf)

Thanks for the replies. I did leave town for a few days so not quite sure about overwatering due to rain but it is possible. I did have the sprinklers setup to come one each day at 430AM for about 15 min. The previous week was pretty hot so I did not want the plants to die off due to lack of moisture. Most of my plants look pretty good but this group is affected by who knows what. The spray is made by Southern Ag (liquid copper fungicide). I followed the instructions and believe they called for 1 teaspoon per gallon. I mixed it in a gallon spray container with a hose and applied it in direct sunlight and about 82 degrees or so. I was thinking this may be the cause as well but not all plants are affected like this Big Rainbow. Hope this additional information helps.

RE: original topic... 3-5 cups per day is a bit too much water. Otherwise, that's simply the plant's behavior. The leaves get like that due to sun exposure. As long as they aren't wilted or drooping or turning white or black, they're fine. As for the blooms, they can turn brown or limp around the edges of the petals, especially if in direct sunlight. Also, hydrangea blooms tend to turn brown as they age. I theorize you got this as a gift or otherwise from a florist source. It will behave like this when subjected to natural conditions 100% of the time, especially when raised in unnatural conditions (a.k.a. Greenhouses). Growth and blooms that occur in natural conditions will be more apt to handle them. Also, fair warning, if you plant a "topiary" hydrangea "tree", it will come back as a regular hydrangea with a dead stick in the middle next spring. This forum really needs sticky threads on Florist Hydrangeas and winter hardiness. Who's with me?!