I JUST RECEIVED AN ENDLESS SUMMER HYDRANGEA FOR MOTHER’S DAY. SHOULD WE PLANT IT RIGHT AWAY OR CAN WE PUT IT IN A POT? IF WE PUT IT IN A POT WHEN CAN WE PUT IT IN THE GROUND? ALSO, IN IOWA, HOW MUCH SHADE IS PARTIAL SHADE?

What a great mother’s day gift! Your Endless Summer Hydrangea will do fine in either a container or in the ground. Take a look at our container gardening guide for helpful tips on caring for your hydrangea. If you are really wanting to plant it in the ground, you might go ahead and do that soon. Planting it in the garden now gives the advantage of getting it settled in and roots established before the heat of summer settles in. However, if want to enjoy it in a container this summer and plant later, September is also a good month for planting shrubs. In your area, your hydrangea can do part to full sun with ample moisture.