"Daily watering" is almost always over-watering. Add rain and it definitely becomes too much water. But in this case i suspect lack of any nutrients is the main issue. They need to be fed. All plants need to be fed something and in containers it needs to be fed regularly.. I would normally recommend one of the many organic liquid fertilizers available but in order to recover from the excess water, a granular one would work better this time. There are probably 35-40 different organic granular fertilizers available so it all depends on what you can find locally. Any of the big box stores like Walmart, Home depot, Lowe's etc sell them, so do most nurseries. Follow the label directions for amount and frequency of application. Dave.

If you are REALLY in a pinch I suppose it would work, but it is very expensive potting soil, I wouldn't want to spend my money that way. You might as well buy some fish emulsion or organic liquid fertilizer like earth juice. If you have the option though, I would make tea out of the Planting Mix they make, rather than Ocean Forest. The Planting Mix is just the good (nutrient-rich) stuff.

Here is the story... I got a buy one get one free coupon and bought some Hydrangeas. Too good a deal to resist--stupid me. I have been thinking of moving my Viburnum nudums to more sun anyway since they don't fruit well. Of course the best spot for the hydrangeas was where the Viburnum was, so voila! Now I am transplanting in order to plant. I know it's not ideal, but the temps will be a little lower this week and I have a soaker hose set up to keep them wet. Also, I thought they would survive better being moved now than trying to summer the hydrangeas in thier pot. I'm hoping that I am being overprotective since they are natives and should do well about anywhere, but would rather do it right than have to start from scratch with new plants. I think it will be ok, but the clay soil is tough. Thanks, TBT P.S. I just put them in and had to put in one small shovel full of compost (tell yourself that it was for the nutrients if that makes you feel better) in the hole and all the other organic stuff (bagged compost/humus, peat moss, a few coffee grounds, and mulch) all went on as top-dressing. I will try and remember to update as the summer goes on.

sjboyle - Potting soil is not the same as compost. Below is a link to a site that sells compost tea equipment and starter kits containing compost. I have heard that the company is reputable and that there products are good but I have no first hand knowledge of them so buyer beware. The website is interesting weather you decide to buy on not. Bill Hill Here is a link that might be useful: Compost Kits