They really can't look worse than my own, still holding some leaves in between black and green - very much a wilted salad effect.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Amethyst' blooms on old wood...anything more than dead heading only the spent flowers will take the flower buds for next year. I suppose you could remove the leaves if you wish (they aren't functioning or serving any purpose now) - if your plant is large though that could be tedious and with a little more time they will fall on their own to be picked up.

That week you missed left lots of things looking shabby. I don't have hydrangea near the front but plenty of other things not looking much better - it frustrating trying to add an entryway wreath, make the house look festive when the garden is looking anything but :)

I've got sad plants all over the yard too. Many hadn't turned colors yet or dropped their leaves and now they have brown and black leaves hanging. The usual sun break in February is going to be busy....

Thanks! I had spaced on the blooming on old wood! just pulled/cut the wilted leaves and deadheaded. At least it looks cleaner... if not happy.