My condolences, Eve9955.

Hydrangeas do the same thing here. Give thanks to the warm summer temperatures and winds. Place the shrub in a location where it gets sun until 11am and shade afterwards. Water about 1 gallon when the soil feels dry or almost dry. Most hydrangeas will droop and wilt a lot on their first two years but afterwards, they stop drooping by nightfall or next morning on their own. The key is adding water if the soil feels almost dry or dry.

That prevents them from getting root rot. Root rot is generally caused by too much water or soil that does not drain well. Hint: make sure the pot has working drain holes and place it in a bigger container as soon as practical.

Luis

Please accept my sympathy too for the loss of your father, Eve.

Gift hydrangeas wrapped in foil are greenhouse grown and have been pampered. It should be hardy in your climate but will need some time to become accustomed to the real world outside, both wind and sun. Acclimate it gradually by putting it outside in shade for brief periods, like an hour or two, then gradually introduce it to longer stretches of time and some morning sun over a week or two.

After that you may plant it in the ground or move it into a larger container if you wish. And hopefully the decorative wrapping the pot was in has been discarded now - it would hold water, not allow it to drain correctly.