I have heard great things about them, but don't have one. From what I have read, they are slow to get started but then very trouble free and cover anything, trees, walls, fences, or over rocks and can get to 60 to 80 feet, but can be kept shorter.........so place it well!

I saw a picture of a mature one awhile back that was so pretty. Wish I could remember where it was. The blooms were draping down a bit almost like wisteria. It does sound like you got a bargain. I can't recall seeing any for sale around here. Just in catalogs. I wonder if they need lots of water like other hydrangeas do.

I've got one, and it's the first thing in my garden to show drought stress. Place it in a spot where it's got good soil and plenty of moisture. It can climb on anything without support. It puts out small aerial roots simular to english ivy that it uses to hang on the things.