How good are you at caring for plants in pots?
I think it is easier to protect and baby a plant in a pot.
I also think outdoor conditions are more forgiving of winter negligence- you can put them to bed in the fall and forget them.

I have never seen seedlings before so I will try....

finding more seedlings around the lacecaps, including LIR-anyone ever have luck with seedlings???

the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall-will they bloom next year or the following???

finding more seedlings around Lady In Red-not all have her red coloring. Can LIR self pollinate?

Well, I think you've answered your own question there. And for what it's worth - congrats! I'm sure insects had something do to with it, whether or not they visited other hydrangeas. You may have even developed sports or hybrids.

As for their future survival? I suppose anything can happen in your hardiness zone. I'm sure throwing some leaves out there for winter would help, if you want a "patch" of LIR's to grow in that location...

Best of luck!

I think I will pot them up and see what we have...