This is one of the most confusing plants for plants! This kind of hydrangea is a macrophylla, or big leaf variety. There are several other types of hydrangeas, including panicale, arborescens (ilke Incrediball and Annabelle), and climbing hydrangeas). Within this category there are serrata (a category) and other hybrids, such as Endless Summer (a trademarked hybrid). Some people cover them with burlap. I don't have time or interest in that but I've heard that can help protect them from the cold.

You have options for these types of hydrangeas (panicle, or paniculata). This one is a limelight but there are many different kinds. They are more woody, like a shrub. You can’t do this with other types of hydrangeas like macrophylla/big leaf, arborescens (e.g. Anabelle), or oakleaf. For more info on which type to prune or not to prune and when, I have a free guide which you can find on my website. (See below and click the shopping cart at the top.)I have ones I prune to be more shrub-like and I

I love the idea of putting a panicle hydrangea in front of a high window. At the height of the growing season, the flowers on the hydrangeas, are going to come up above the height of the windowsill. Just like I have in my house, I get to see those beautiful, big limelight hydrangeas from the front windows, all the way back through the dining room, and into my kitchen. This house faces East, which is a great direction to plant a hydrangea, since the house will shade it from hot west afternoon sun