planting an hortensia?

[stilllovingmysleep]

A friend brought me a lovely hortensia / hydrangea in a plastic pot. I wanted to thus some advice as to how to take care of it and where to re-plant it. In a large pot for outside? And if so what compost does it need and how much watering? Or should I plant it in the ground in the garden?

[PurpleWithRed]

Hydrangeas are happiest somewhere slightly shady that doesn't dry out. Fine in a pot as long as you keep it watered (rain water ideally). Not boggy, but not dried out. It should be fine in any potting compost.

[stilllovingmysleep]

Thanks Purple, very helpful. So for now you would recommend a large pot with normal potting compost and maybe to place it in front garden? I have seen some massive hydrangeas in friends' gardens--is it that people replant them in the ground when they grow?