Lance, where do you live? Also, how about the location? Microclimate? Exposure? Soil type?

I live in Franklin, TN ...soil is 6.5 ph part sun/shade and some wind.

Well, you're in zone 6B, but with the climate change, you're probably closer to a high 7b zone now (for the last 10 years). Hydrangea seemannii is reported by a few growers to be hardy to zone 7. With good soil drainage, proper mulching, a slightly warm microclimate, and/or a little luck, I think there's a decent possibility it would work. There are many people growing things that tender around your area. Instead of zone denial, I think you may have zone courageousness.