( photo / image / picture from Punkinbyrd's Garden ) hosta ( photo / image / picture from Punkinbyrd's Garden )
Three questions, Is the plant in the sun? Have you recently moved it? What is its watering schedule? Jerry
Is that new mulch? How thick is it? Are the dead leaves on the hosta dry and brittle or moist and limp? Jerry
The hosta leaves seem a little "crispy." The mulch is new and it is approximately 1/2 inch to an inch thick. The hosta has more mulch around it than the hydrangea.
I absolutely know nothing about the growing habits or needs of either of these plants. But since you're in Longview... I guess that the extreme temps and drought has something to do with it.
I think Cheryl is onto something. Morning sun in our weather means no sun after about 10 a.m. And any sun after noon is more than they can handle, especially this summer in Texas. During the early evening [after you have watered them] move them to a totally shady location, maybe in pots until you come up with the perfect location for them. And as long as the drought continues, water them early every morning to get them though the day. They don't have to be soaked every morning but as long as it is hot and dry they should have some water daily.
I'm wondering...have you had high winds lately? They look like they are wind blown and a little dehydrated.
'A little crispy' tells the story, the plant is not pushing enough water into the leaves to maintain itself during the hot day. Hostas are for the most part shade preferring plants, with your climate and the condition of the plant, as Toni says, a shady area and more water is a must. Place the plant in a container or pot that can be moved to the shade so the plant can recover. The pot or container should be one that has drainage holes. Despite the plant's present condition you do not want the roots to rot in soggy soil. Do keep us informed as to the plant's condition. As Toni and Cheryl have mentioned the present Texas drought conditions are brutal on plants especially the shade plants. Jerry