Can anyone save my hydrangea and astilbes?

Question

I bougt three astilbes and a nikko blue hydreangea about three weeks ago. I watered them every day a lot until I forgot to to days in a row. I was away, so when I got back, my hydreangea and astilbes were beginning to brown. I've been watering them for 20 minutes each every day with a light sprinkle, and have been giving them miracle grow regularly, however, their condition have steadily worsened. My astilbes are almost completely brown, and only a little bit of my hydranges is not brown. It's so depressing driving up to our house seeing pretty much dead flowers, not to mention embarrassing. Please help!

Answer 1

The brown means the leaves have died and there's nothing you can do to resusitate them.  

Hydrangeas like moist, acidic soil.

But don't give up just yet.  Cut back the dead growth and continue to water the roots...you may get new growth in a few weeks.

Answer 2

yes, they can be difficult to get started.  been there done that.  trim off the dead part and water with miracid 2 x a week and water everyday in between.  it takes the roots a lot of coaxing to get started.  as long as there is a little sun- light and plenty of water, they will get a little better every year.  if there is 100% shade, try a new place for them.  they need 'some' sun and lots of acid and water.  when they take fineally do take hold, they will be beautiful.  water......water.....water....