Question
I was given a beautiful florist grade hydrangea at the end of May It was in full bloom but now the blooms are dying. There are new leaflets growing on the two stems which still have flowers.  Many of the leaves look yellow and their edges are dry and dead looking. How can I keep the plant alive even without flowers?  I assume it would fry outdoors but even inside temperatures are about 75 degrees. I currently have it placed in a south facing window.  All of our windows are dark airport glass (we live on a retired air base)so light intensity is lacking.  I have been watering with tap water daily and have not fertilized while in bloom. They are still in the original gift pot(plastic)  Should I repot?

Answer
Hi Joolz,
Thanx for your question.  Sometimes I think these "florist grade" plants are grown and sold by the floral industry with the intention that they are "throw-away" plants and not intended to be saved and used beyond a few weeks as a gift.  I once kept one of these plants alive for months but it was a real struggle.  While the florist grade hydrangea likes cooler temperatures than your Arizona spring, summer and fall have, they are totally intolerant of frost and are hardy onl to zone 9.  The one I had was in an office with no sunshine, just the lights of the office.  So, I think you can keep this plant indoors.  Repot it into a more comfortable pot with rich potting soil and amend it with some Miracid following the directions on the box.  You'll probably need to feed the plant periodically.  Keep the soil moist but not soggy and keep the plant where it will get 8 or 10 hours of flourescent light or diffused sunlight and the 75 degree indoor temps sound fine to me.  Stay away from fertilizers high in nitrogen if you want the plant to bloom again otherwise, all you'll get is green growth.  I hope this helps.
Tom