Transplanting often does set it back. This year for many of us, we had old growth damaged in spring from frost/freeze. Sometimes doesnt always show the damage right away either from frost damage (takes time).

Not an expert on planting them to deep. But I have had Hydrangeas with lower branches in the dirt form and root new hydrangeas still connected to the mother plant.

Thank you so much for responding, appreciate it!

I was surprised that when we dug these plants up the root balls were very wide, yet shallow (fit almost perfectly into a trash barrel lid) - these are 16 year old plants, over 3 feet high x 3 feet wide. It was really difficult replanting them, getting them straight and at the right depth while trying not to break branches.

I am so nervous that they will take and flourish in their new home as they are, or hopefully will be, the stars of our front foundation bed.

What kind of sun do they get in their new home? Probably next year they will be back to their old glory and will be the star of the show! Most shrubs transplanted a month or so ago is going to have an off year. Just keep them well watered and they will get thru it and settle into their new home.

Similar sun to their prior home, a little less am and a bit more pm. The plants are protected from wind by the house and other mature plants.

Is the new growth leaves flush with the soil cause for concern (dang, I'm still kicking myself for not raising the plant up a little more), will they rot?

And again, my thanks for your response!