I planted one around this time last year. It currently resides in the middle of a hot sunny spot in the front - and although we've not had much sunshine but ample water from the early spring rains, it's barely broken dormancy.

I did give it it plenty of winter protection by building the sides up with wood chips - and it did survive the winter but to tell the truth, it looked way better this time last year when I planted it than it does now - I think I will be moving it to a more sheltered location closer to the house which also give part sun/part shade during the day.

The annabelle hydrangea's at the neighbours thrive in dappled sunlight amongst the very tall pine trees - so I'll be adding pine needles to boost up the acid in the soil where-ever it's next location is...but it's not staying in the full sunshine in the middle of 'nowhereland' in the front yard much longer - it's headed for dappled sunlight and surroundings closer to some established shrubs/trees or even closer to the house to aid with winter protection - far away from the harsh amount of snow and wind that whip across the front yard.

Best wishes on your pee gee doing better than mine - wish I had thought to post your question last year before I planted mine.

Hi sydseeds,
Thanks for the info. I guess it would be better in a sheltered location. Nice to know in advance. I'll also try putting some pine needles around it.
Thank You
Mary-Jane

Ours is planted in clay soil in sun in between silver leaf dogwood & Kolwitzia. It is over 10 years old & shrub like not standard pruned.
It started out years ago in another bed of mostly clay in sun but outgrew that area. I've also had a branch touch soil & sprout roots. Therefore another PG!
sam

It's a borderline woodland plant. I have several types of hydrangeas, peegee, climbing, nikko blue and annabelle. They all thrive in shade conditions or part sun conditions. They are planted in clay but I would agree that the soil should be amended with organics. - Afterall these are woodland plants and the tendency is for them to thrive in woodland conditions.

Thank You so much Everyone for your help. I'ts always nice to hear from real gardeners that have more knowledge.
Thanks
Mary-Jane